2027: Atiku, El-Rufai, Amaechi Push New Party – ADA

Obi, Malami, Aregbesola, Mark Among Prominent Promoters

In a bold political move ahead of the 2027 general elections, opposition heavyweights including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi have submitted a formal application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register a new political party: the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The group, operating under the umbrella of the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG), is officially severing ties with previous engagements with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) in favor of building an independent political platform.

INEC Application and Party Details

The registration request, acknowledged by INEC, was submitted by Chief Akin Anderson Rickets, former Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) under Amaechi’s ministerial tenure, who now serves as the ADA’s interim national chairman.

The proposed party’s slogan is “Justice for All”, and its logo features symbolic imagery including maize, reflecting the party’s alignment with equity, productivity, and national development.

Alongside the application, ADA submitted its:

• Constitution

• Manifesto

• Logo and flag

• Minutes of formation meeting

• Office address and organizational structure

Interim National Secretary Abdullahi Musa Elayo, a former House of Representatives member from Nasarawa State, was also announced.

Notable Political Figures in ADA

The ADA is reportedly backed by a diverse lineup of high-profile political players, including:

• Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate

• David Mark, former Senate President

• Aminu Tambuwal, ex-Governor of Sokoto State

• Rauf Aregbesola, former Interior Minister

• Abubakar Malami, ex-Justice Minister

• Babachir Lawal, former SGF

• Uche Secondus, former PDP Chairman

• Osita Chidoka, ex-Aviation Minister

• Nnenna Ukeje, former lawmaker

From Coalition Talks to Independent Action

According to a joint statement by Amaechi and Dr. Umar Ardo (a former aide to Atiku), the idea to form a new party originated at a meeting held on May 6, 2025, in Abuja. That meeting laid the foundation for what is now transitioning into ADA.

The group finalized its party name, slogan, logo, and constitution at a follow-up meeting on Thursday in Abuja. The next step includes launching offices, opening party accounts, and aligning operations with Section 75 of the Electoral Act (2022).

Political Goal: A Credible Third Force

Dr. Ardo emphasized that the formation of ADA is a response to growing public demand for a genuine third-force alternative in Nigeria’s political space. The group plans to rally disaffected voters and disillusioned politicians from across the major parties, particularly from the PDP, which continues to grapple with internal crises.

“This is not just a party; it’s a movement. ADA will reshape Nigeria’s political future,” Ardo noted.

Keyamo Dismisses Move as “Psychological Warfare”

However, the initiative is not without critics. Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and a loyal Tinubu ally, dismissed the formation of ADA as mere posturing.

“This is just an ordinary application for party registration,” Keyamo posted on X (formerly Twitter). “There’s no real coalition here just a group of individuals engaging in psychological warfare for attention.”

He argued that, unlike the monumental coalition that birthed the APC in 2013, ADA lacks the depth and broad-based support required to unsettle Nigeria’s political status quo.

INEC Requirements for Party Registration

According to INEC's guidelines:

• An aspiring political party must operate in at least 24 states and the FCT

• Submit a non-refundable fee of ₦1 million

• Provide at least 50 copies of its constitution and manifesto

• Attach the names and signatures of national executives

The commission will only approve registration if the association complies fully with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, and internal INEC regulations.

Looking Ahead

While it's uncertain how soon INEC will act on the application, the formation of ADA is already making waves. If granted approval, the party could become a major disruptor in the lead-up to 2027 especially as internal divisions continue to plague both the PDP and APC.

The question now is: Can ADA unite Nigeria’s fragmented opposition into a serious electoral force or will it fade like many before it?