The League of Northern Democrats (LND), under the leadership of former Kano State governor Ibrahim Shekarau, is making strategic moves to transform into a national political platform with the aim of challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Initially a movement of northern political elites disillusioned with Tinubu's governance, the LND is now expanding its focus to include key southern political stakeholders, signaling a bold push for a Pan-Nigerian alliance.
Originally formed by disenchanted political veterans from the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions, the LND is evolving into a broader coalition. According to sources, the group has resolved to engage southern political interests, with a particular focus on the South West, Tinubu's stronghold. The group's leaders believe that only a formidable national political structure can unseat the president in the 2027 election.
A source close to the situation shared the group's concerns, stating, "With President Tinubu's control over the political structure and his influence within the ruling party, as well as inroads into the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it will be difficult to unseat him. However, allowing him to continue would mean risking a political hegemony that could dictate Nigeria's future."
Former Jigawa State governor Alhaji Sule Lamido echoed these concerns in a recent interview, likening Tinubu to an "emperor" whose grip on power would be challenging to break in 2027. This sentiment is shared by many within the LND, who view Tinubu's growing influence as a potential threat to Nigeria's democratic values.
In response, the LND is laying the groundwork to attract political figures from southern states, particularly the South West, given its voting strength and the potential for bloc voting. The group's strategy involves raising a strong candidate from the South West to challenge Tinubu, acknowledging that his influence in the zone will be a significant hurdle to overcome.
The LND's initial plan to recruit former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 race has encountered legal obstacles. Due to constitutional constraints preventing a former vice president who succeeded his late boss from seeking office more than once, Jonathan is ineligible to run, having fulfilled this condition in 2011. As a result, the LND is now focused on finding a new candidate from the South West who can unite opposition forces against Tinubu.
As the 2027 election approaches, the LND's efforts to build a Pan-Nigerian platform could reshape the political landscape, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle to determine the future direction of Nigeria.