The National Opposition Coalition Group has announced that it has applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the registration of it’s new political party, named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The group made up opposition figures like Alhaji Atiku, Peter Obi, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai are working towards stopping Pres. Tinubu’s 2nd term bid.
The application was submitted on 19th June, 2025, and acknowledged by INEC last Friday. It was signed by the Protem National Chairman of the group, Chief Akin A. Rickets, and included the party’s Slogan, Logo, Flag, Constitution, and Manifesto.
“The National Secretariat of the party is as stated at the bottom of the association’s letterhead used in this application. “We have also herewith attached our Logo describing in details the symbolism of our party colours and the their configuration and the corn (Maize).
“We have further attached our manifesto encompassing details of our party ideology, and our constitution providing the legal framework that defines our identity, structures and organization, regulates our affairs and guides our actions in alignment with Section 40 and 222 of the Constitution, Section 75 of the Electoral Act (2022) and global democratic principles and objectives.
“Please find attached the following documents: our party flag depicting our name, acronym and slogan, manifesto, constitution and minutes of meeting.” This move came after weeks of internal discussions within the coalition, which consists of political figures opposed to President Bola Tinubu.
The group had earlier considered aligning with existing political parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but concerns over internal disputes and legal issues made that option less attractive. To find a solution, the group set up a Committee headed by former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
The committee recommended creating a new political platform where all members would join on equal terms. Some of the well-known names in the coalition include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Amaechi himself, and Dr. Umar Ardo of the League of Northern Democrats.
Ahead of the 2027 General elections, the National Opposition Coalition Group comprising major national political figures, have written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
The group is chaired by a former Senate President, David Mark.
The development followed a 6th of May 6 2025 meeting of the Coalition Group in Abuja. According to a statement of the group dated May 19, signed by Rotimi Amaechi & Umar Ardo, as Chairman and Secretary of the New Platform Committee (NPC), respectively, the NPC comprises 15 members mandated to form an association to apply to INEC to register a new political party.
According to the statement, a series of meetings were held, sub-committes were constituted and reports were submitted to the Committee leading to the meeting and resolutions.
City People gathered that at the meeting of the New Platform Committee the committee approved the formation of ADA, as a political association and the party’s logo, slogan and motto.
Also approved were the party Manifesto, its Constitution and the appointment of the interim leadership of the party, with Chief Akin Ricketts, as Protem Chairman and Abdullahi Musa Elayo as Protem National Secretary.
The Coalition also approved the interim leadership of the new political party to secure a befitting office accomodation, open a bank account for the party, upon registration by INEC, for financial transactions and operate the activities of the party as enshrined in the Constitution of the party and the Electoral Act 2022.
INEC has fired back at the Coalition over the 2027 party registration delay. INEC says that no amount of public pressure or blackmail would over ride the need for strict compliance with constitutional and regulation requirements.
The electoral body questioned the Coalition’s compliance with key legal and procedural requirements, warming that party registration was not merely a political declaration but a constitional process governed by strict guidelines.
INEC also denied reports circulating online, claiming the registration of 2 new political parties – the Independent Democrats and the Peoples Democratic Movement.
Recall that several opposition members had recently acused the electoral body of refusing to register new political parties, raising concerns about the inclusiveness of the electoral process.
Former Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi acused INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu of blocking the registration of new political parties.
Other Coalition leaders, including a former Secretary to Government of the federation, Babachir Lawal and a chieftain of the APC, Salihu Lukman, had blamed INEC at different events over non-registration of political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Many have wondered whether their Coalition will be strong enough to defeat Pres. Tinubu, come 2027? A political analyst says “The possibility of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai’s Coalition beating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections remains very uncertain. This is because Pres. Tinubu is no walk over in the game of Politics. “But it will no doubt be a formidable challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid” it adds.
What they have in mind are key points to consider. They believe there is the power of Combined Strength. The coalition’s combined votes from the 2023 elections far outweighs Tinubu’s 8 million votes, with Atiku and Obi garnering 13 million votes. This could translate to a winning majority if egos are set aside and strategic conditions are met.
There is the Issue of Public Frustration. The growing public frustration with the current administration could fuel support for the united opposition, potentially bringing a swift end to Tinubu’s tenure.
How about Internal Resistance? Insiders say the Coalition faces significant internal and external resistance, including PDP governors distancing themselves and elder statesmen voicing disapproval.
There is the issue of Party Loyalty. The Coalition’s choice of platform remains uncertain, with varied options being considered like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or a new party.
The issue of Personal Ambitions of key players is also a big one. Insiders say the personal ambitions of opposition leaders could hinder the alliance, and the APC has dismissed the opposition alliance as an unlikely threat to Tinubu’s re-election.
Overall, the success of the Coalition depends on various factors like, the ability of the Coalition members to set aside their differences and work towards a common goal.
There is also the need for Strategic Planning, effective strategic planning and execution to mobilize support and resources.
There is the issue of Public Support: The level of public support the Coalition can garner, particularly in key regions and demographics.
Can a new party work? Insiders say if a new party were to be formed, it would require a strong foundation, clear mission, and values. The process would involve defining the party’s purpose, registering with the relevant authorities, and building a leadership team. This is a lot of hardwork.
But Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna State Governor has not given up. He has continued to mobilise for the Coalition with key opposition leaders to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
In the last 2 months or so, El-Rufai has confirmed that he’s working with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. They’ve considered adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their Coalition party. But are still exploring other possibilities.
The Coalition aims to unseat President Tinubu in the 2027 elections, with El-Rufai stating that their goal is to ensure Tinubu “goes back to Lagos”.
El-Rufai has been holding strategic meetings with top figures from various parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He recently met with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Prince Adewole Adebayo to discuss the proposed Coalition.
El-Rufai’s efforts aim to unite key opposition figures across the political spectrum, potentially creating a formidable challenge to APC’s dominance.
However, not everyone is supportive of El-Rufai’s Coalition. The Middle Belt Forum has vowed to work against any Coalition that considers El-Rufai for the position of Presidential or Vice-Presidential candidate, citing concerns about his stance on certain issues.
The feeling is that El-Rufai’s Coalition plans may evolve as more meetings and consultations take place. The success of this Coalition will depend on various factors, including the ability of its leaders to work together effectively and rally support from different regions and interest groups.
Atiku Abubakar is indeed part of the Coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. He is infact Central to it. This Coalition includes other prominent figures such as:
Peter Obi: former Labour Party presidential candidate Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State Governor, who has shifted from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Rotimi Amaechi: Former Transportation Minister.
