A new political front is taking shape as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai lead a coalition that has formally approached the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a political party.
The request, dated June 19 and received by INEC on June 20, confirms weeks of speculation over the coalition’s intent to establish a new party rather than adopt an existing platform.
The coalition includes notable figures such as former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Umar Ardo, a former aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo and convener of the League of Northern Democrats. Their move appears aimed at building momentum around widespread public dissatisfaction and restructuring the political landscape ahead of the next general election, with a clear objective of mounting a serious challenge to President Bola Tinubu.
INEC, in a recent advisory, reminded political associations that party registration is a legal process governed by the Constitution and the Electoral Act and not a matter of public sentiment or political calculations.
With this submission, the group has ended the uncertainty surrounding its plans—choosing to float a new party rather than revive an inactive one.
The application was signed by Chief Akin A. Rickets and Abdullahi Elayo, identified as Protem National Chairman and Protem National Secretary, respectively. In the letter obtained by our correspondent, the group wrote:
“We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance, as a political party.
This is a sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.
The name of the party shall be All Democratic Alliance with ADA as our acronym and ‘Justice for All’ as our slogan.”
Documents submitted to INEC include the party’s constitution, manifesto, logo, minutes of foundational meetings, and flag. A key element of the ADA’s emblem is the image of maize, which the group says symbolizes “abundance, resilience, and sustenance.”
The letter added: “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 organization.”
INEC is expected to assess the application in line with constitutional provisions, particularly Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 75 of the Electoral Act, 2022. The outcome will determine whether the ADA secures formal recognition ahead of the next electoral cycle.
