In a bold move to consolidate opposition forces, the Nigerian National Coalition Group (NNCG) has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register a new political party—the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
Spearheaded by Senator David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the application was submitted on June 19. Chief Akin A. Ricketts, the party’s pro tem national chairman, delivered a letter to INEC outlining ADA’s founding principles and goals.
“We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance, ADA, as a political party,” Ricketts stated. “This is sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.”
The group attached the party’s logo—featuring a maize cob—its constitution, manifesto, and minutes from the foundational meeting. Ricketts emphasized that ADA aims to serve as a clean slate for Nigerians disillusioned with existing political parties.
“Our manifesto encapsulates our ideology,” the letter reads. “Our constitution defines our identity, structures our organization, regulates our affairs, and aligns our actions with Sections 40 and 222 of the Constitution, Section 75 of the Electoral Act (2022), and global democratic principles.”
The application also included the party motto, “Justice for All,” and outlined the symbolism behind the logo and colors. Ricketts and Hon. Musa Elayo signed the letter as pro tem national chairman and secretary, respectively.
Since the announcement, several high-profile politicians have aligned with ADA. Notable backers include former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, League of Northern Democrats convener Umar Ardo, and former President Obasanjo’s aide. Other supporters include Peter Obi, John Odigie Oyegun, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, Abubakar Malami, Babachir Lawal, Uche Secondus, Osita Chidoka, and Hon. Nnenna Ukeje.
The People’s Organic Movement (POM), a pro–Peter Obi group, also submitted a formal request to join ADA. In a June 22 letter signed by National Chairman Eliashib Ime-James, the group expressed alignment with the coalition’s vision.
“We believe that our shared values and vision for the country’s future align with the coalition’s objectives,” the letter stated. “Our membership comprises individuals committed to social justice, economic development, and institutionalized good governance.”
While the coalition continues to gain momentum, some officials have dismissed the movement as overhyped. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo criticized the effort as hollow and unnecessary.
“This is just a simple application for party registration,” Keyamo wrote on X. “There is nothing like a ‘coalition’ here. It is unnecessary hype.”
Keyamo argued that the group lacks the scale and unity of the 2013 APC merger and called the ADA effort a “pedestrian joke.”
“A few individuals exercising their constitutional right to form a new political party cannot be described as a ‘coalition’ or even a ‘merger,’” he added. “This is no different from several political associations springing up every day.”
Whether viewed as a fresh political alternative or mere theater, ADA’s emergence signals a wind of change. As Nigeria heads toward another election cycle, all eyes are now on INEC’s next move.
