A cloud of uncertainty now hangs over the future of the opposition coalition being midwifed by key political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, as disagreement brews over the adoption of a political party to drive their 2027 agenda.
This follows the recent announcement of the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as the coalition’s political vehicle—a party that is still awaiting registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Hobnob News, the coalition, which also includes former Senate President David Mark and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, was conceived as a united opposition front to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
El-Rufai, speaking on Arise Television, reaffirmed that the coalition’s fundamental goal was the removal of Tinubu’s government, noting that the movement is still deliberating on which political platform to officially adopt. “I strongly believe that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is the best platform for a coalition… its history, its legacy, its sentimental value,” El-Rufai said.
In the midst of these strategic disagreements, the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG) had earlier submitted a letter dated June 19 to INEC seeking approval to register the ADA. The letter was signed by the group’s Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Rickets, and Protem National Secretary, Abdullahi Elayo.
However, INEC has responded that ADA cannot be registered at this time, citing the party’s failure to meet stipulated requirements. Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, made this disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, controversy continues to trail reports suggesting the coalition had earlier considered adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC). These claims have since been debunked as false, further intensifying confusion surrounding the coalition’s official direction.
Adding to the uncertainty, Demola Olarenwaju, Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to Atiku Abubakar, distanced the former Vice President from any official endorsement of ADA. “The group still has issues to sort out,” he noted, emphasizing that the coalition’s internal deliberations are ongoing and no political party has been finalized.
A source close to Atiku, who chose to remain anonymous, hinted that the apparent disunity may be part of a broader political strategy. “You know how politics is, at times they could be trafficating left while going right. They have not spoken. Let’s wait for them,” the source said.
Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam offered a candid critique of the situation, saying, “The coalition is finally here under the baptismal name of All Democratic Alliance (ADA)… but if it fails to perform better than the current administration, it will bring Nigeria to a dead end.”
As the political drama unfolds, Nigerians await clarity on whether ADA—or any other party—will emerge as the official face of the opposition, or if the coalition will crumble under the weight of its internal contradictions.
With meetings expected to take place in the coming days, political observers say this week may be decisive for the fate of the opposition coalition—and possibly, the political trajectory of Nigeria leading up to 2027.
