Confusion Trails Opposition Coalition as ADA Awaits INEC Registration

Amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, confusion continues to trail the status and direction of the proposed opposition coalition reportedly being championed by prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The uncertainty surrounds the formal adoption of a political party by the coalition, following the emergence of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA)—a new political platform which is yet to be registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Although ADA has been touted by some as the coalition’s official platform, INEC has said the party has not met the criteria required for registration.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja.

The ADA, formed under the umbrella of the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG), submitted a registration request to INEC via a letter dated June 19, signed by its protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Rickets, and National Secretary, Abdullahi Elayo.

According to Kaduna’s former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, the coalition was conceived primarily to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. He noted that efforts are ongoing to agree on a single political platform, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Speaking on Arise Television, El-Rufai clarified: “I strongly believe that the SDP [Social Democratic Party] is the best platform for the coalition. Its history, its legacy, the name and the logo resonate well. I am advocating for its adoption among my colleagues.”

This position contradicts earlier reports suggesting that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had been adopted. Those reports have since been debunked.

Adding to the confusion, Atiku Abubakar’s camp has distanced the former Vice President from any formal association with ADA. His Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy, Demola Olarenwaju, said the coalition is still in the process of resolving internal issues.

A source close to Atiku told Newsmen that the framing of the coalition as “Atiku’s project” is both misleading and potentially divisive.

“It is an opposition coalition, not Atiku’s coalition. When you reduce it to Atiku, you are creating unnecessary tension among coalition partners,” the source said. “Let’s wait for them to officially speak. This week is crucial; there’s likely a meeting that will clarify everything.”

Meanwhile, some political observers believe ADA represents a fresh opportunity for real opposition politics. Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam described the ADA as the coalition’s “baptismal name” but cautioned against failure if the coalition eventually seizes power.

“The ADA must be warned early—Nigerians will not survive another administration that performs worse than the current one,” Idam warned. “Whatever excuses they plan to give if they fail must be made known now.”

With growing public interest and mounting pressure, political analysts say the coalition must urgently clarify its structure, leadership, and platform to stand a credible chance in the 2027 elections.