As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, former Adamawa State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Umar Ardo, has outlined a strategic pathway for the opposition to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ardo, a respected political strategist and convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), believes that the key to a successful challenge lies in the creation of a brand-new political party—one that would serve as a unified and credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

During an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Ardo presented a compelling argument in favor of forming a new political platform. He stressed that while the opposition currently appears fragmented, a coordinated effort with the right strategic decisions could dramatically change the landscape in 2027.

A Call for a Fresh Political Platform

Ardo passionately argued that merging with any existing political party would not deliver the impact needed to defeat an incumbent president. Instead, he encouraged the coalition of opposition leaders to set aside their differences and commit to establishing a new, dynamic political structure. In his view, only a clean slate can provide the political energy, trust, and mass appeal required to galvanize Nigerians across party lines.

“If the entire opposition coalition unites and agrees to form a new party, the chances of defeating President Tinubu in 2027 are high,” Ardo declared. He revealed that two internal committees had already been formed to explore the next course of action. One committee considered merging with an already registered political party, while the other evaluated the possibility of registering a new one.

According to Ardo, both committees submitted their reports, and after reviewing them, the argument for merging with an existing party appeared far weaker. This reinforces his belief that only a newly formed platform can gain the widespread trust of voters, especially those disillusioned with current political institutions.

Internal Challenges and Strategic Differences

While Ardo expressed optimism about the opposition’s prospects, he also acknowledged the ideological divisions currently facing the movement. He noted that key figures within the coalition—such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai—have yet to reach consensus on the path forward.

He clarified that the coalition was not breaking apart but rather undergoing the normal growing pains that accompany political movements at their formative stages. “At the formative stage of any coalition, disagreements are expected,” Ardo explained, referring specifically to tensions that emerged during the coalition’s recent summit involving some delegates from Jigawa State.

He emphasized that the disagreement was primarily strategic, not personal. “The current divide is largely ideological—mainly over whether to join an existing party or establish a new one,” he said. Despite these tensions, Ardo insisted that the coalition remains intact and committed to a shared goal.

“Our group, the LND, firmly believes that creating a new party is the way forward,” he added. He reiterated that success depends on clarity of purpose, ideological unity, and effective communication among coalition partners.

Lessons from the 2023 Election

Reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, Ardo offered a critical analysis of the results. He pointed out that President Tinubu secured victory with support from less than 38% of registered voters. In his view, this low percentage indicates a troubling level of voter apathy and political disengagement, underscoring a larger problem in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“This suggests that a majority of Nigerians either did not vote or felt unrepresented,” Ardo stated. With more than 90 million citizens voluntarily registering to vote, he argued that there is a clear hunger among Nigerians to participate in governance. However, that desire has often been stifled by a lack of credible choices on the ballot.

According to Ardo, a new political party—formed by a broad-based coalition—could inspire millions of disenfranchised voters to return to the polls. He believes this is particularly important in a democracy where active civic participation is essential for accountability and change.

Overcoming Financial Barriers to Party Formation

While forming a new political party poses logistical and financial challenges, Ardo remains confident that these hurdles can be overcome. He acknowledged that maintaining a political party in Nigeria requires significant financial resources, often discouraging new entrants from participating meaningfully.

Nonetheless, Ardo argued that when backed by a broad coalition of influential and well-resourced political actors, a new party could thrive and mount a formidable challenge. “The high cost of maintaining political party structures is a major barrier,” he admitted. “But a coalition-driven approach can spread the burden and mobilize widespread support.”

He also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and grassroots organizing to reduce costs and engage voters directly. According to Ardo, a modern political movement must move beyond the traditional model of big-money campaigns and embrace innovative strategies to connect with Nigerians on issues that matter most.

Unity as the Key to 2027 Success

Throughout the interview, Ardo returned to one key message: unity. He firmly believes that the 2027 election presents the opposition with a real opportunity to reclaim the presidency, but only if they unite under a common purpose.

“With the right approach and decision, I believe victory is very achievable,” he asserted. Ardo stressed that time is of the essence. For the opposition to succeed, it must quickly resolve internal disagreements, finalize a strategy, and begin building a new political identity that resonates with the Nigerian electorate.

He called on all opposition leaders—regardless of their past affiliations or ambitions—to recognize the historical moment at hand. Ardo warned that failure to act decisively now would only strengthen the grip of the ruling APC and perpetuate a political status quo that many Nigerians are eager to change.

Conclusion: A Test of Strategy and Vision

Umar Ardo’s bold vision for 2027 paints a clear path forward for Nigeria’s opposition: forge a united front, create a new party, and present a credible alternative that can energize millions of disillusioned voters. While ideological disagreements and logistical hurdles remain, Ardo insists that with determination and strategic foresight, the opposition can overcome these obstacles.

In a country where democracy depends on competitive elections and vibrant alternatives, the call for a fresh political movement could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Nigerian politics. Whether the opposition rises to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—2027 will be a defining moment.