A coalition of prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has taken a major step toward creating a new political party, formally requesting registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a letter dated June 19 and acknowledged by INEC on Friday, the group applied for the registration of a new party named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). This move ends speculation about whether the coalition would revive an existing political platform or pursue a fresh one entirely.
The initiative is also backed by other political heavyweights 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. The group aims to leverage growing public discontent and changing political dynamics to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027.
El-Rufai, others write INEC
INEC had earlier cautioned political actors that no volume of political pressure or public advocacy would override the legal procedures required to register a party, emphasising that the process remains firmly governed by constitutional provisions.
The coalition’s application marks a significant shift from mere talks to concrete action. The application letter was signed by the association’s Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Rickets, and 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.
“This is a sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration,” it continued. “The name of the party shall be All Democratic Alliance with ADA as our acronym and ‘Justice for All’ as our slogan.”
Along with the letter, the coalition submitted required documents including the ADA’s constitution, party manifesto, logo, and the minutes of its formative meetings.
The party’s symbol, a maize cob, is meant to reflect values of abundance, resilience, and sustenance. “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 organisation,” the letter added.
The application puts INEC under watch as observers await how the commission responds to what could become a major political force in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
