A new political wave is forming in Nigeria as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi come together to establish a new political party—the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). Supported by the National Opposition Coalition, the group has formally submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for official recognition.
The application, dated June 19 and confirmed by INEC on Friday, ends earlier speculation about whether the coalition would revive an old political platform or create a new one. They’ve opted for a fresh start with ADA, which comes complete with its own constitution, manifesto, logo, and a core slogan: “Justice for All.” The party’s chosen symbol is maize, which the founders say represents resilience and prosperity.
In a letter to INEC signed by Protem National Chairman Akin Rickets and Secretary Abdullahi Elayo, the group emphasized that ADA is being positioned as a formidable player in the political shifts ahead of the 2027 general elections. They also affirmed that the party’s application fulfills all legal conditions, and the coalition is eager to proceed once INEC begins its review.
While the announcement has generated widespread interest, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said he was unaware of the details of the registration process. When asked to confirm, he explained that the coalition’s activities fall outside his direct responsibilities and declined to provide further comment.
INEC has reiterated that party registration is a constitutionally defined process that cannot be influenced by public sentiment or political ambition alone. Still, with high-profile figures involved, many are watching closely to see if ADA will emerge as a significant force in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.