Opposition Coalition Group’s All Democratic Alliance Seeks INEC Registration Ahead Of 2027 Nigerian Elections.
In a significant development for Nigeria’s political landscape, the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG), led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the registration of a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The application, submitted on 19 June 2025 and acknowledged by INEC the following day, marks a bold step by opposition leaders to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The ADA, with its slogan “Justice for All” and a maize cob as its symbol—representing abundance, resilience, and sustenance—aims to unite prominent opposition figures and provide a fresh platform to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges. The coalition, chaired by former Senate President David Mark, includes notable personalities such as former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Dr. Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats, and other key political strategists. The group’s application letter, signed by Protem National Chairman Chief Akin A. Ricketts and Protem National Secretary Abdullahi Musa Elayo, outlines its commitment to aligning with Nigeria’s constitutional and electoral frameworks.
“We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance, as a political party,” the letter stated. “This is sequel to the decision taken by the National Opposition Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.” The application was accompanied by the party’s manifesto, constitution, logo, and minutes of foundational meetings, all crafted to comply with Sections 40 and 222 of the 1999 Constitution, Section 75 of the Electoral Act 2022, and global democratic principles.
The formation of the ADA follows months of speculation about a potential opposition coalition to counter President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Sources within the NOCG revealed that the group initially explored merging with existing parties, such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but opted to establish a new platform due to internal disputes and legal challenges within those parties. A special committee, chaired by Amaechi, was convened to assess the best course of action, ultimately leading to the creation of the ADA.
The coalition’s move has sparked varied reactions. Supporters view the ADA as a credible alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political parties, capitalising on growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration. “This is not a hastily formed coalition,” a source at a recent NOCG meeting told reporters. “The ADA aims to unify key opposition figures and provide a robust platform for the 2027 elections.” The party’s next steps include establishing a national secretariat, opening bank accounts, and ensuring full compliance with electoral regulations.
However, not all responses have been positive. Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, dismissed the ADA as “a pedestrian joke” and “a weak attempt at mass appeal.” In a statement posted on X, Keyamo argued that the ADA lacks the substance of the 2013 APC coalition, describing it as “neither a merger nor a coalition” but merely a routine application for party registration. Meanwhile, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Ibrahim Kalgo, accused INEC of colluding with the APC to frustrate the coalition’s registration, citing the electoral body’s alleged refusal to register over 70 new party applications.
INEC, for its part, has reiterated its commitment to a rigorous registration process. Days before the ADA’s application, the commission issued a statement emphasising that party registration must adhere strictly to constitutional and electoral guidelines, unaffected by “pressure or sentiment.”
As Nigeria approaches its next electoral cycle, the emergence of the National Opposition Coalition Group’s All Democratic Alliance could reshape political alliances and intensify competition. Whether the ADA will secure INEC’s approval and galvanise opposition forces remains to be seen, but its formation signals a determined effort to challenge the status quo in 2027.