What We Know About the Anti-Tinubu Coalition’s Push for a New Party Ahead of 2027

Leaders of a proposed political party challenging President Bola Tinubu’s leadership have begun nationwide mobilisation as they seek to register a new political party — the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) — with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Vanguard reliably gathered that the coalition, comprising notable political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and League of Northern Democrats convener Dr. Umar Ardo, is optimistic that INEC will approve the party’s registration. However, sources say the path to full political crystallisation remains uncertain.

In a letter to INEC, the coalition’s Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Ricketts, formally requested ADA’s registration. Despite this, multiple insiders indicate that the movement is still weighing its options amid ongoing consultations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones aimed at attracting more stakeholders and politicians to its fold.

Although the coalition initially explored the possibility of aligning with existing parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), internal crises and legal entanglements within those platforms discouraged any firm commitment.

“There were too many litigations and leadership tussles,” a source explained. “It became clear that those platforms couldn’t accommodate the scale of what we’re building.”

Yet, even as mobilisation efforts gather momentum, doubts persist about whether a new political party can be registered and stabilised in time for the 2027 general elections.

Not Enough Time — Babachir Lawal

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir Lawal, a prominent figure in the coalition, has downplayed the feasibility of registering a new party before 2027. Instead, he confirmed that the group is now finalising plans to join an existing party that meets their political and organisational requirements.

“We’ve concluded that we are joining an existing party,” Lawal told Vanguard. “Critical members have already resigned to make way for new leadership. We are finalising the list of those who will occupy key positions such as chairman, secretary, organising secretary, and treasurer.”

He noted that while several parties were considered, many had unresolved legal issues or were unwilling to share leadership, prompting the group to align with the most structurally sound and cooperative option.

Lawal also addressed confusion surrounding the separate efforts of Dr. Usman Ardo’s splinter group, which has been promoting ADA’s registration using the names of high-profile politicians.

“Ardo is using prominent names like Atiku, El-Rufai, and Peter Obi without their consent. While we cannot stop him from forming his own party, that initiative does not represent us,” he clarified.

Eyes on 2027 Fallout

With the 2027 general elections approaching, coalition leaders believe internal crises in both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could work to their advantage.

“We’re anticipating fallout from party primaries,” a source said. “Aggrieved aspirants will be looking for an alternative platform — and we’ll be there to receive them.”

Lawal added that the crisis in the PDP, particularly tensions surrounding figures like Nyesom Wike, could drive a mass exodus of dissatisfied members into their fold.

“If Wike takes over the PDP, 90% of the party could leave. They won’t join the APC. They’ll likely join us,” he said.

He emphasised that the coalition’s strength lies in its mix of former APC figures, ex-ministers from the Buhari era, and influential politicians like Atiku and Obi — all engaging the project as individuals, not as formal representatives of their parties.

“We’re building a credible alternative. The goal is not just to oppose Tinubu, but to offer Nigerians a better, more inclusive future. That’s our commitment,” Lawal concluded.