Atiku, El-Rufai alliance seeks INEC approval for new party, ADA

A coalition of top opposition figures, 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—the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The application, dated June 19 and acknowledged by INEC on Friday, marks a definitive move by the coalition to float a fresh political platform rather than merge with any existing party.

The group is seeking to position the ADA as a formidable alternative in the 2027 general elections, with the aim of unseating President Bola Tinubu.

Among the coalition’s prominent backers are former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats and a former aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The formation of the ADA is seen as a response to growing public discontent and shifting political alliances nationwide.

The application ends weeks of speculation over whether the group would revive a defunct political party or launch a new one.

It also comes days after INEC reminded political actors that party registration is a strictly constitutional process, not subject to political pressure or sentiment.

A copy of the coalition’s application, obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, was signed by the Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Rickets, and the Protem National Secretary, Abdullahi Elayo.

“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 stated.

The group submitted required documents including the party’s constitution, manifesto, logo, and minutes of its founding meetings.

The ADA’s symbol is a maize (corn), which the coalition says embodies abundance, resilience, and sustenance—values the party aims to uphold. The party’s slogan is “Justice for All.”

According to the coalition, the attached manifesto outlines the party’s core ideology, while the constitution details the party’s legal structure, identity, and organisational framework.