In a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have announced the formation of a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
The announcement came after the coalition, made up of top opposition figures, officially submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, June 19, 2025, seeking registration of the new party.
The political landscape in Nigeria has been experiencing intense shifts in recent times. A wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC has altered the balance of power in several states. Amid these developments, opposition leaders appear to be regrouping, culminating in the creation of a new political platform. The formation of ADA marks a critical point in what seems to be a broader plan by key opposition players to reclaim political dominance and challenge the ruling party in 2027.
According to reports from Legit.ng and The Punch, the application letter to INEC was co-signed by ADA’s National Chairman Akin Ricketts and Protem Secretary Abdullahi Musa Elayo. The coalition’s request included all necessary documentation, such as the party’s logo, slogan; “Justice for All”; and a symbolic representation featuring corn (maize), reflecting themes of growth and inclusion. The party’s national secretariat address was also provided in the application.
The coalition is not just made up of Atiku and El-Rufai but also includes other notable figures such as Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, David Mark, Babachir Lawal, and Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa, among others. The group has been holding consultations across party lines, including a recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2023, has been vocal about the need for a united opposition front and has described the coalition as a “national necessity” to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.
The ADA’s emergence is seen as a response to growing public dissatisfaction with the APC-led government. The coalition is positioning itself as a credible alternative that aims to restore justice, accountability, and effective governance. Meanwhile, religious and civil society voices have added to the momentum, with clerics like Reverend Jerry Nwachukwu accusing institutions like INEC, the judiciary, and the security agencies of weakening democracy. These sentiments are expected to further energize the coalition’s efforts as Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 elections.
