A new chapter in Nigeria’s political landscape may be underway as the National Opposition Coalition Group, spearheaded by prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, has taken a decisive step toward the formation of a new political movement.
The coalition has formally submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking recognition and registration for its newly conceived political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
The application, which is dated June 19, 2025, was officially acknowledged by INEC on Friday, suggesting that the group is determined to forge its own path rather than align with or rebrand an already existing party.
With several political heavyweights supporting this endeavor—including Umar Ardo, a former presidential aide and convener of the League of Northern Democrats—the ADA appears to be an ambitious platform aimed at building momentum to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s leadership at the next general election.
This formal step toward launching a new political party comes just days after INEC issued a warning to aspiring political organizations and associations. The electoral body stressed that party formation is not merely a matter of public enthusiasm or political popularity but rather a constitutionally bound process that requires full compliance with established legal procedures.
Despite these warnings, the opposition coalition has moved forward, effectively ending widespread speculation over whether it would revive a dormant party or introduce a completely new one.
The application was submitted with detailed documentation and signed by Chief Akin A. Rickets, acting as the Protem National Chairman of the new association, alongside Abdullahi Elayo, who is serving as the Protem National Secretary. A copy of the application, which our correspondent obtained in Abuja, revealed the seriousness with which the coalition is approaching this effort.
According to the letter, “We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance, as a political party.” The statement further clarified that the move is a direct consequence of a resolution adopted by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to support the formation of a fresh political platform.
The party, they said, will be known as the All Democratic Alliance and will adopt the acronym ADA, with “Justice for All” chosen as the party’s slogan.
The application included all necessary materials for formal party registration, such as the proposed constitution of the new party, a manifesto outlining the ideological stance and policy direction, a logo, and records of the initial meetings held by the group.
Notably, the symbol chosen for the ADA is a maize plant, which, according to the applicants, symbolizes resilience, abundance, and sustainability—qualities the party claims to hold central in its vision for governance.
The coalition stated in the letter that it had also included its manifesto, which details the ideology and philosophical direction of the ADA, as well as its constitution, which serves as the guiding framework for the party’s internal governance and structural arrangements.
This development signifies a growing rift within Nigeria’s political elite, with former allies now seeking to reposition themselves in anticipation of the 2027 election cycle. By pushing for the registration of ADA, the opposition coalition is making clear its desire to break free from the constraints of traditional party structures and create a platform that resonates with a changing electorate.
Their action also signals a strategic shift, aiming to present a united front capable of drawing support from disillusioned voters and political actors seeking alternatives to the current administration.
While it remains to be seen whether INEC will approve the registration of the ADA, the submission of the application represents a significant step in what could be a major political realignment in the country. For now, the coalition waits for the electoral commission to complete its review, but the wheels of change may already be in motion.
What you should know
Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi have jointly applied to register a new political party called the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), breaking away from existing structures.
Their goal is to create a viable alternative to the current government ahead of the 2027 elections. The party’s application was submitted to INEC with full documentation, including a maize symbol and the slogan “Justice for All.”
