A new political movement, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), has been formed by key opposition leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
The political coalition, operating under the banner of the National Opposition Coalition, has formally submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking registration as a political party. The application, dated June 19, was officially acknowledged by INEC on Friday.
This move ends weeks of speculation about whether the opposition bloc would revive an existing platform or create a fresh political vehicle ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among other notable figures backing the new party are former a former aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and convener of the League of Northern Democrats, Dr. Umar Ardo; and several other political heavyweights.
In the official letter addressed to INEC, signed by the group’s Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Rickets, and Secretary, Mallam Abdullahi Elayo, the coalition said its decision followed consultations and consensus by the broader Nigerian National Coalition Group.
The letter 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.
The name of the party shall be All Democratic Alliance with ADA as our acronym and ‘Justice for All’ as our slogan.”
The group also submitted required documents, including the party’s constitution, manifesto, logo, and records of foundational meetings. According to the applicants, the party’s symbol, a maize (corn), stands for abundance, resilience, and sustenance — values the party says will guide its operations.
The development comes shortly after INEC warned that no amount of public pressure would substitute for strict adherence to constitutional and electoral procedures in registering political parties.
Reacting to the development, Atiku’s media adviser, Mr. Paul Ibe, said he was not aware of the move to register the new party.
“I am not aware. Have you confirmed the veracity of the documents?” he asked. When informed that the documents were confirmed, he added, “I have not been briefed about that. You know the activities of the coalition are not directly under our control.”
INEC is yet to make a formal pronouncement on the status of the application.
