The National Opposition Coalition Group, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the registration of a new political party called the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
The coalition's application, dated June 19, was acknowledged by INEC on Friday, June 20, 2025, signaling the group's intention to establish a new political platform ahead of future elections.
Key Political Figures Behind ADA
Beyond Atiku and El-Rufai, the coalition includes other prominent political heavyweights such as former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats and former aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to sources familiar with the development, the formation of ADA aims to capitalize on mounting public dissatisfaction and create a formidable political realignment to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next election cycle.
Application Details
The application letter was jointly signed by the association's Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Rickets, and Protem National Secretary, Abdullahi Elayo. In their submission, they stated: "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 further explained that the application was "a sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration."
The coalition has submitted all relevant documentation required for party registration, including the party's constitution, manifesto, logo, and minutes of its foundational meetings.
Party Identity and Symbol
According to the application, the party will be known as the All Democratic Alliance with ADA as its acronym and "Justice for All" as its slogan. The party's symbol prominently features maize (corn), which the applicants say represents abundance, resilience, and sustenance—core ideals they hope to promote.
"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 organisation," the letter continued.
INEC's Position
The application comes just days after INEC warned political groups that no amount of pressure or public sentiment would override the need for strict compliance with constitutional and electoral guidelines for party registration.
The electoral body is expected to review the application in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution before making a decision on the registration of the new party.
This development marks a significant shift in Nigeria's political landscape as opposition figures consolidate efforts to create a unified platform ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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