The National Opposition Coalition Group, led by former Senate President David Mark, failed to hold its crucial meeting yesterday as deep divisions emerged over whether to join an existing party or form a new one ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources reveal to OBSERVERS TIMES that the coalition remains split between two factions:
The “Adoption Camp” Backed by ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-APC Chairman John Oyegun, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who favor merging with either the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The “New Party Camp Championed by ex-Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, pushing for the registration of the Alliance for Democratic Alliance (ADA). This group argues that existing parties come with “entrenched structures” that could trigger factional crises, citing the recent collapse of NNPP’s alliance with Rabiu Kwankwaso as a cautionary tale.
A document submitted by the League of Northern Democrats (LND) – signed by figures like Dr. Umar Ardo and retired AVM Monday Morgan – warned that ADC and SDP have state-level leaders with legally binding tenures until 2026, making harmonization “a recipe for litigation and paralysis.”
Meanwhile, talks between the coalition and SDP, facilitated by ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have reportedly stalled.
What’s Next?
With the coalition’s Friday meeting aborted, insiders say the “New Party” faction is gaining momentum. However, time is tight: the Electoral Act requires new parties to be registered at least two years before elections.
