Former Adamawa governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the 2023 general election, Umar Ardo, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu can be unseated in the 2027 general elections ? provided the opposition establishes a new political party.

Speaking on Arise Television?s Morning Show on Wednesday, Ardo a political strategist and convener of the League of Northern Democrats, expressed strong optimism about the prospects of a united opposition, though he acknowledged that the coalition led by former Vice President

Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is currently grappling with internal ideological differences.

He dismissed the idea of merging with an existing party, arguing instead that creating a new political platform would offer a stronger and more credible alternative.

?If the entire opposition coalition unites and agrees to form a new party, the chances of defeating President Tinubu in 2027 are high.

?Two committees were established within the coalition ? one to explore merging with an existing party, and another to consider registering a new one. Both have submitted their reports and from what I have seen, the case for merging with an existing party is weak,? he said.

Ardo stressed that the coalition?s success hinges on adopting the correct strategy. ?With the right approach and decision, I believe victory is very achievable,? he added.

When questioned about recent tensions at the coalition?s summit involving some delegates from Jigawa, Ardo downplayed the incident, describing it as a normal phase in political alliances.

?At the formative stage of any coalition, disagreements are expected,? he said.

?The current divide is largely ideological ? mainly over whether to join an existing party or establish a new one. Many coalition members, including some leaders, favour the former. However, our group, the LND, believes that creating a new party is the way forward.?

He noted that the coalition remains intact despite strategic differences.

Ardo also reflected on President Tinubu?s 2023 electoral victory, which he claimed was secured with support from less than 38 per cent of registered voters.

?This indicates that a majority of Nigerians either did not vote or felt unrepresented,? he said. ?With over 90 million people voluntarily registering to vote, it is clear that many Nigerians are eager to engage in the political process.?

He concluded that the high cost of maintaining political party structures is a major barrier for new entrants but argued that forming a new party backed by the coalition could overcome this hurdle and mobilise widespread support. (The PUNCH)

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