Abuja, Nigeria — As political momentum builds ahead of the 2027 general elections, a proposed coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has denied endorsing the newly proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as its political platform. The group’s spokesperson clarified that while a new party registration has been initiated, no final decision has been made regarding ADA.

What is the All Democratic Alliance (ADA)?

The ADA is a proposed political party whose registration application was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on June 19, 2025. The letter, signed by Akin Ricketts (provisional national chairman) and Abdullahi Musa Elayo (acting secretary), was formally received by INEC on Friday, June 20.

The party’s formation sparked widespread speculation that the ADA would serve as the official political platform for the Atiku-led opposition coalition seeking to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Atiku’s Media Aide Issues Clarification

AbdulRasheed Shehu, the special assistant on media to Atiku Abubakar, issued a firm clarification, stating that the former vice president has not adopted ADA as the coalition’s party of choice. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shehu urged the media and public to avoid premature conclusions.

“A group is in the process of pursuing party registration, just like any other Nigerian, but they need to coordinate this with the coalition. ADA has not been adopted. When the time is right, the public will be informed,” — Shehu stated.

Inside the Opposition’s Coalition Strategy

Since early 2024, Atiku has been vocal about forming a broad coalition of opposition figures and stakeholders across party lines. His goal: to create a unified front capable of defeating the APC in 2027. Sources close to the coalition reveal that consultations are ongoing with former key political figures, including:

• Peter Obi – 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party
• Rotimi Amaechi – Former Minister of Transportation
• David Mark – Former Senate President
• Babachir Lawal – Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation
• Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa – Former SSG of Katsina State

The coalition movement is aimed not just at removing the APC, but also at redefining Nigeria’s democratic landscape, according to Atiku. He has emphasized that the coalition is a necessity for national rebuilding, especially in the face of economic hardship, insecurity, and growing public disillusionment.

What Does INEC Require to Register a Political Party?

According to the Electoral Act 2022, party registration is subject to strict conditions. INEC requires:

• A functional national secretariat
• Evidence of party constitution and manifesto
• 30-day application window before elections
• Proof of a national spread (offices in at least 24 states)

Although the ADA application is in progress, it may take months before INEC finalizes the decision on whether to approve or reject the registration.

What’s at Stake for the 2027 Elections?

The 2027 general elections could prove decisive for Nigeria’s democratic trajectory. With increasing public frustration over inflation, fuel subsidy removal, naira devaluation, and insecurity, many analysts believe voters are open to alternative leadership.

If Atiku, El-Rufai, and Obi successfully unite, they could pose the most significant challenge yet to President Tinubu’s second-term bid, assuming he seeks re-election under the APC platform. However, political unity across ideologically diverse personalities remains a steep task.

Opposition Cautions Against Premature Media Reports

Shehu criticized elements of the media for prematurely linking the ADA to Atiku without confirmation. “Nigerian media sometimes contribute to confusion in the political landscape. Facts must come before assumptions,” he said.

Expert Reactions

Political analyst Dr. Salisu Ibrahim from the University of Abuja said:

“The opposition needs to be strategic. Party formation is not enough; there must be alignment in values, candidates, and structure. ADA may or may not be the final vehicle, but the broader coalition must not collapse under ego or ambition.”

What Happens Next?

With ADA’s registration still pending and no formal endorsement from the Atiku-led coalition, political watchers expect more closed-door meetings in the weeks ahead. The coalition is expected to unveil a clear roadmap, including leadership structures, party platform, and policy agenda before the end of 2025.