The leaders of the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a political movement seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration, have launched a nationwide mobilisation campaign following their application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for registration as a political party.
Despite optimism among the coalition’s leaders regarding INEC’s approval, internal disagreements have emerged over whether forming a new party is feasible ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Members of the coalition include prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Dr Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats.
Initially, the coalition had considered aligning with an existing political party, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) competing to be the preferred choice.
However, concerns over internal disputes and ongoing litigation within those parties discouraged the move.
In a formal letter to INEC, Chief Akin A. Rickets, the Protem National Chairman of the proposed ADA, wrote:
“Application for registration as a political party. We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance, ADA, as a political party.”
Sources told DAILY GAZETTE that despite the party’s application still being under review, ADA leaders have begun grassroots mobilisation across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to attract politicians and stakeholders.
However, the group’s organisational structure remains fluid as consultations continue.
A source involved in the consultations remarked:
“I think they know what they are doing and good counsel appears to be prevailing. Political engineering and manoeuvres, including campaigns, will be very interesting in the coming months. It will be very good for our democracy because when you have an opposition that is very effective, it is likely to engender an atmosphere that will inspire alternative narratives about how the country can move forward.”
Although the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has publicly distanced itself from the coalition, insiders revealed that key figures within the PDP, APC, and Labour Party are acting as informal backers of the anti-Tinubu coalition. Still, PDP governors have rejected any form of merger or coalition leading up to the 2027 elections.
As the 2027 elections approach, insiders believe inevitable internal crises within both APC and PDP during primaries will push disaffected aspirants toward ADA.
One insider said:
“We are waiting to profit from the crisis of nomination that would engulf the APC and PDP in some states.”
