A former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has drawn attention to fresh political tensions within Nigeria’s opposition space following remarks made by a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Umar Ardo.
In a post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on May 4, 2026, Sani referenced an interview reportedly granted by Ardo, a prominent figure from Adamawa State, to an online platform identified as DCL. According to Sani, Ardo alleged that a newly formed political party, the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), is facing legal challenges over what he described as “irregular registration.”
Sani noted that Ardo claimed the party’s registration did not meet constitutional requirements but was instead approved through a court order issued by a judge with prior service in Bayelsa State. The claims, which have not yet been independently verified, are expected to intensify scrutiny of party registration processes in the country.
The former senator further used the development to comment on broader political realignments ahead of future elections. In a metaphorical remark, Sani likened recent political defections and alliances to a marital separation, stating that key opposition figures had “filed for divorce” before aligning with a new political platform.
Though Sani did not explicitly name the individuals in his analogy, observers believe he was referring to prominent politicians Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, both of whom have been at the center of ongoing discussions about opposition coalition-building.
“An abrupt divorce comes with pains, anger and consequences. The ex will irrationally hunt you,” Sani wrote, suggesting that the fallout from shifting political loyalties may trigger internal conflicts within opposition ranks.
He added that the situation should not be attributed to the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the ruling party, indicating that the tensions are largely internal to opposition movements.
The comments come amid increasing political maneuvering and speculation over alliances that could shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. Analysts say disputes over party legitimacy and internal divisions could weaken opposition cohesion if not carefully managed.
As of press time, neither the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nor representatives of the NDC had issued official statements addressing the allegations raised by Ardo…Read_More…