In what may mark the beginning of a new political realignment in Nigeria, a coalition of high-profile political figures opposed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has formally initiated the registration of a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
The move, spearheaded by the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG) — a collection of political heavyweights from across the spectrum represents a decisive step away from existing party platforms, with the group citing a need for a “fresh, untainted vehicle” to advance democratic values and challenge the status quo.
According to official documents sighted by NATIONAL PANEL, the coalition submitted its application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 19, 2025, with INEC stamping its receipt a day later.
At the heart of the ADA’s emergence lies growing dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration’s handling of key national issues: the economy, national cohesion, and governance. Leading voices within the group argued that neither the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) nor the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), can provide the change Nigerians are yearning for.
In its application, signed by Chief Akin A. Rickets, Protem National Chairman of the proposed party, the group emphasized a commitment to building a party founded on democratic principles, justice, and inclusion.
“This is sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration. Our slogan is Justice for All, and our ideology is grounded in the values of transparency, accountability, equity, and national unity,” the letter stated.
Documents submitted to INEC included the ADA’s party flag, constitution, manifesto, and minutes of foundational meetings indicating advanced internal coordination and readiness.
What sets the ADA apart from past political startups is its backers. The coalition boasts some of the country’s most recognizable and once competing political figures: Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and perennial presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State and influential northern voice, Dr. Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats, among others.
This convergence of former rivals points to a growing consensus among political elites who believe the 2023 elections failed to usher in the transformation Nigeria urgently needs.
Initially, the group explored aligning with existing parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Both parties actively courted the coalition, hoping to boost their relevance ahead of 2027.
However, internal divisions, leadership disputes, and litigation risks within those parties reportedly turned the coalition away. Many in the group feared inheriting "political liabilities" and losing control over party structures.
A committee chaired by Amaechi was tasked with assessing the available options. Its final recommendation: register a completely new party where every stakeholder begins on equal footing.
Political observers are split on what the ADA represents. Optimists view it as the much-needed “third force” capable of breaking Nigeria’s two-party dominance and injecting fresh energy into democratic competition. They point to the group’s ideological rhetoric and cross-regional appeal as signs of a movement, not just a machine.
Skeptics, however, argue that beyond the rhetoric, the ADA is being built by the same class of political elites who have dominated Nigeria’s political landscape for decades. “Old wine in a new bottle,” as one analyst put it.
Still, the party’s emphasis on “justice for all,” its constitutional compliance, and its early organizational discipline suggest a serious intention to offer a different kind of political contest.
INEC is expected to begin the review process of ADA’s application in line with the Electoral Act of 2022, particularly Section 75, which outlines the requirements for political party registration. If approved, ADA will join Nigeria’s already crowded political space but with ambitions to redefine it.
For now, the coalition is holding back from announcing national conventions or leadership contests until INEC’s approval is secured. But insiders say groundwork is being laid for a mass mobilization campaign, including recruitment of youth, civil society actors, and disaffected party members nationwide.
Whether the All Democratic Alliance will spark a genuine political reawakening or simply recycle old political battles in a new jersey remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the political winds are shifting and a new phase in Nigeria’s political evolution is taking shape.
As 2027 approaches, ADA's next moves could significantly shape not just electoral outcomes, but also the narrative of governance, accountability, and inclusion in Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
