The emerging political terrain ahead of the 2027 general elections has taken a significant turn as a newly formed coalition, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), moves toward official registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Chief Akin A. Ricketts and Abdullahi Musa Elayo have been named the interim National Chairman and interim National Secretary of ADA, respectively.

This development comes as part of a strategic move by the National Opposition Coalition Group, which convened recently in Abuja to consolidate its political strength.

The meeting, chaired by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, was pivotal in laying the foundation for the new political party.

According to a communiqué released to the media, the coalition had earlier constituted a 15-member New Platform Committee tasked with developing and formalizing the coalition’s political structure.

In its resolutions, the coalition formally approved the creation of a political association under the name All Democratic Alliance, with a clear mandate to transition it into a full-fledged political party.

As part of the next steps, the committee was authorized to apply to INEC for the official registration of ADA as a political party.

The resolutions also included the adoption of the party’s logo, motto, and constitution, which will govern its operations once registered.

The New Platform Committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transport, and Dr. Umar Ardo, Secretary of the Committee and convener of the League of Northern Democrats, has been given further responsibilities.

These include securing a befitting party headquarters and opening a party bank account in anticipation of INEC’s approval.

Sources familiar with the development told DAILY GAZETTE that ADA is positioning itself as a viable alternative platform for opposition forces, capitalizing on widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

ADA is reportedly backed by prominent political actors, including Amaechi and Dr. Ardo, and is seen as a nucleus for broader opposition realignment that could potentially include heavyweights such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, all of whom have been linked to ongoing coalition talks aimed at challenging the APC’s hold on power in 2027.

As political activities gain momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, a major opposition coalition led by former Senate President David Mark has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register a new political party named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The move was confirmed in a statement dated May 19, 2025, and signed by Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transport and Chairman of the New Platform Committee (NPC), alongside Umar Ardo, the committee’s Secretary.

According to the statement, the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG) convened in Abuja on May 6, 2025, where key resolutions were reached.

The 15-member New Platform Committee was tasked with creating a political association and facilitating the party registration process with INEC.

The committee subsequently held multiple strategic meetings, set up sub-committees, and reviewed submitted reports, culminating in a final decision during its session on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

At that session, the Committee approved the establishment of ADA as a political association and ratified key elements such as the party’s logo, slogan, motto, constitution, manifesto, and interim leadership.

Chief Akin A. Ricketts was appointed as the Protem Chairman, while Abdullahi Musa Elayo was named Protem National Secretary.

The interim leadership was also mandated to secure suitable office space, open a party bank account following INEC registration, and manage all operational and financial activities in line with the Electoral Act (2022) and the party’s constitution.

Amid the growing political realignments, discussions continue among major opposition figures over a broader coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Talks of an alliance involving Atiku Abubakar (former Vice President and PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate), Peter Obi (Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer), and Nasir El-Rufai (former Governor of Kaduna State) have intensified in recent months.

In May, Atiku’s spokesman confirmed the development during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today:

“Well, you and I know that there have been ongoing discussions between Atiku Abubakar and some opposition leaders, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai,” he said.

“Yes, it’s out there in the open. Discussion is still ongoing, and at the end of that discussion, they will come out with a position and the direction that we’re going to follow based on the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”

Despite the opposition’s efforts, the ruling APC remains confident that any coalition against President Tinubu in 2027 will not succeed.

The Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu state, Hon. John Ogbodo, has been honored with the prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to healthcare development in the state.

Presenting the award on Friday, Southeast zonal coordinator of WHO, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, commended the chairman’s unwavering support for health initiatives, his financial contributions, and active participation in the organization’s programmes.

Igboekwu noted that the World Health Organization has consistently monitored Hon. Ogbodo’s efforts in advancing healthcare delivery and found his commitment exemplary.

He emphasized that the award is to encourage the chairman to sustain and even expand his impact in the health sector.

Igboekwu praised the chairman’s responsiveness to WHO’s objectives and alignment with public health priorities.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Ogbodo expressed deep appreciation to the WHO for the honor, describing it as a call to further service.

He reaffirmed his administration’s strong focus on health and promised to continue prioritizing initiatives that benefit the wellbeing of residents.

He also used the occasion to commend Governor Peter Mbah for creating an enabling environment for healthcare development in Enugu State.

Hon. Ogbodo highlighted the governor’s efforts in the construction of a 300-bed international hospital and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state, as well as other key health intervention programmes.

Dignitaries present at the award ceremony included: Dr. Adaeze Ugwu, WHO Enugu State Coordinator, Dr. Ikechukwu Chidolue, WHO Enugu State IDSR Technical Assistant, Barr. Chidi Ani, Chief of Staff, Nkanu West LGA

Others are Hon. Nicholas Aninwagu, Supervisor for Health, as well as Dr. Collins Okafor, Secretary, Local Government Health Authority.

Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has clarified that the President will select his running mate for the 2027 general elections only after the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) holds its next national convention.

This statement comes amid widespread speculation about a possible rift between President Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, especially following Shettima’s conspicuous absence and lack of mention at a recent APC stakeholders’ summit held in Gombe.

The summit, which was marred by protests and catcalls after some delegates were reportedly angered by the lack of reference to Shettima, ended in disarray.

Addressing the rumours in an interview, Onanuga dismissed the narratives suggesting a fallout between the two top government officials. He called such claims unfounded and lacking substance.

“The debate is a non-issue,” Onanuga stated. “In a presidential system, the candidate is nominated first and later picks a running mate. That’s what happened under Buhari — he was nominated first and later picked his running mate. You don’t do both at once.”

He went on to explain that the selection process will align with the electoral timetable yet to be released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Once INEC releases the timetable, the party convention will hold, and if the president is nominated again, he will choose his running mate,” he explained.

Dismissing the reports of a breakdown in the working relationship between Tinubu and Shettima, Onanuga maintained that both men remain politically aligned.

“I’m not aware of any issues between the president and the vice president. From what I know, they have an excellent working relationship. All the speculation is just beer parlour gossip,” he said.

Taking a swipe at wild speculations on social media and in political circles, Onanuga cited one particularly absurd claim:

“People even say ridiculous things like Seyi Tinubu is the vice president. Absolute nonsense.”

He pointed out that such gossip tends to trail individuals holding deputy positions in Nigeria, regardless of the actual relationship they have with their principals.

“Even when there’s no conflict, people around them will concoct stories. But as far as I know, Tinubu and Shettima work together very well.”

Onanuga also addressed comparisons being drawn between Tinubu’s history as Lagos State governor and his current presidency, particularly the fact that he had two deputies while in office from 1999 to 2007.

“That’s just speculation. Yes, when he was governor, there were issues. In his first term, he and his deputy, Kofo, didn’t get along, and she had to leave. Femi Pedro replaced her. In the second term, he retained Pedro, but Pedro later defected — he wanted to be governor. That’s why he had to go,” Onanuga recounted.

“I don’t want to reopen old wounds, but that’s what happened. So, it’s wrong to say he has a pattern of discarding deputies. There were specific political circumstances each time. That’s what I’m explaining.”

Former lawmaker, Senator Ahmed Kaita, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its relevance as a major opposition force in Nigeria’s political space, describing it as a “faded shadow” of what it once was.

Speaking during a political gathering of coalition groups in Katsina State on Thursday evening, Kaita expressed concern over the mass defections that have weakened the PDP’s influence and electoral prospects.

“The PDP had become a shadow of its former self and may likely not make a meaningful impact in the next general elections,” he said.

He referenced the defections of key figures, including state governors, national and state lawmakers, and even former Vice President Namadi Sambo, who recently left the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“With such defections, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for the PDP to successfully play the role of major opposition party when the next general elections come up,” Kaita added.

In response to the PDP’s decline, Kaita revealed that consultations were ongoing among notable Nigerians and political groups to establish an alternative political platform capable of challenging the APC in future elections.

“Prominent Nigerians from a coalition of political groups have been meeting at the state and national levels, to form an alternative opposition political party to the PDP,” he said.

He explained that the emerging coalition was working toward adopting and consolidating under a single existing political party, through which they aim to mount a credible challenge to the APC.

“The group’s plan, among other things, is to adopt a single existing political party, join the same and begin working towards defeating the ruling APC in subsequent elections in the country,” he stated.

While a final decision on the political party to be adopted is still being deliberated, Kaita noted that an official announcement would be made soon.

“The decision on which political party the coalition would join will be made known in the coming weeks, as a series of meetings were still ongoing to finalise the group’s decision,” he said.

Kaita also criticised the APC-led government for worsening the country’s socio-economic conditions, alleging widespread corruption and mismanagement.

“Nigerians are currently facing socio-economic challenges brought upon them by the ruling APC,” he said, claiming that “monies meant for the development of the states and the country were being siphoned by a few individuals in positions of power.”

Also addressing the gathering, former Secretary to the Katsina State Government (SSG), Dr Mustapha Inuwa, urged members of the coalition to remain focused and committed to building a strong opposition.

“Do not defect to the APC or other political parties for monetary or related gains,” he cautioned.

“Your efforts to make the group achieve its aim would not go unrewarded.”

In a show of growing momentum, the meeting witnessed the defection of hundreds of former PDP members, many of them former aspirants for various elective positions, into the emerging coalition.

Their leader, Jamilu Yahaya, pledged their commitment to the group’s mission.

“We will work together with the leadership of the coalition group to ensure they achieve their set objectives,” Yahaya assured.