Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have joined forces under a newly formed political group, the National Opposition Coalition, to establish a new party named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
The coalition formally submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 19, seeking registration of the party. The application was acknowledged by the electoral body on Friday, confirming the coalition’s decision to launch a fresh political platform rather than merge with any existing party.
Backed by several prominent political figures—including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Umar Ardo, a former aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo and convener of the League of Northern Democrats—the move is seen as part of a broader strategy to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The development comes just days after INEC reiterated that political party registration must strictly adhere to constitutional and electoral provisions, warning that no level of pressure or popularity would bypass the legal process.
With this application, speculation about the group possibly reviving a dormant party has been laid to rest. Instead, they are pushing forward with an entirely new platform.
A copy of the application letter, obtained by our correspondent, was signed by the ADA’s Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Rickets, and Secretary, Abdullahi Elayo. It read in part:
“We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance, as a political party. This is pursuant to the decision of the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.”
According to the letter, the party’s acronym will be ADA, and its official slogan will be “Justice for All.”
Accompanying the application were key documents, including the party’s draft constitution, manifesto, logo, and minutes from foundational meetings. The party’s emblem—a maize plant—was chosen to symbolize abundance, resilience, and sustenance, values the group says it intends to uphold.
“We have included our manifesto, which outlines our political ideology, and a constitution detailing the legal framework for our identity, structure, and organization,” the letter added.
The coalition closed the correspondence with a formal appeal to INEC, expressing hope for swift progression through the registration process.
However, when contacted for comment, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said he was unaware of the registration application.
“I am not aware. Have you confirmed the veracity of the documents?” he asked. Upon being assured that the application was confirmed, he added, “I have not been briefed about that. Of course, you know what the coalition is doing is not necessarily within our purview. So, I cannot speak on it.”
If approved, the All Democratic Alliance would become the latest addition to Nigeria’s political landscape and could dramatically shift the dynamics heading into the 2027 general elections.
