INEC Confirms All Democratic Alliance’s Registration Bid as Atiku-Led Coalition Eyes 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially confirmed the receipt of an application for registration from the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a proposed political party emerging from a coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. This development marks a strategic move by the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG), the political bloc behind the ADA, as it positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Wednesday, INEC revealed that it has, as of June 23, 2025, received a total of 110 applications from various associations across Nigeria seeking registration as political parties. The All Democratic Alliance’s submission stands out due to the prominence of its proponents and its potential to alter Nigeria’s political dynamics ahead of the next electoral cycle.

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The ADA is the formal political vehicle of the NNCG, a coalition of political forces, interest groups, and former members of major political parties disillusioned with the current political structure. The coalition, championed by Atiku Abubakar—who has contested in multiple presidential elections—is widely seen as a response to what many within the group describe as “a failure of governance and internal democracy” within existing dominant parties.

In its application letter, dated June 19, 2025, the coalition formally requested INEC to register the All Democratic Alliance as a political party. The letter was signed by Chief Akin A. Rickets, who has been designated as the protem national chairman of the ADA. Rickets, a former minister and political strategist, emphasized the group’s intent to build a national platform that promotes inclusive governance, accountability, and democratic reform.

The emergence of the ADA is already generating debate among political watchers, many of whom believe it could become a third force in Nigeria’s two-party dominated system, currently led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While Atiku remains a member of the PDP, his coalition’s bid for a new party is interpreted by analysts as a signal of discontent and strategic divergence.

INEC Acknowledges ADA’s Bid Amid Surging Interest in New Parties

INEC, in its statement, said that it is reviewing all 110 applications in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022. The Commission assured the public of a transparent and rigorous process, noting that six recently received applications are still being processed and will be acknowledged before the end of the week.

“For emphasis, I wish to inform Nigerians, particularly those interested in registering new political parties, that the handbook containing the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022 is already available on the Commission’s website,” the INEC statement added.

This signals a renewed surge in political activism ahead of the next general elections. The current rise in applications also underscores growing dissatisfaction with the traditional parties, as many citizens and political actors explore alternatives to entrenched political platforms.

Strategic Timing and a 2027 Political Blueprint

The timing of ADA’s formation is critical. With two years left before the 2027 general elections, the coalition has ample time to build grassroots structures, mobilize support, and establish national visibility. Sources close to the coalition suggest that ADA aims to present itself as a youth-inclusive, policy-driven, and ideologically grounded alternative to the status quo.

Although Atiku has not publicly declared his full departure from the PDP, his leadership role in the ADA coalition raises questions about his future political plans. In recent months, he has voiced strong criticism of the APC-led government, citing insecurity, economic stagnation, and erosion of democratic values.

ADA’s application is expected to trigger strategic responses from other parties, especially the PDP, which may see the move as a potential weakening of its opposition strength. The ruling APC is also expected to monitor the development closely as it prepares for the next phase of its governance and electoral strategy.

The Road Ahead: INEC’s Gatekeeping Role

INEC now plays a pivotal role in determining the political shape of Nigeria leading into 2027. The Commission must assess whether ADA and other applicants meet the rigorous requirements for registration, which include national spread, verifiable addresses, constitutional documents, and internal democratic mechanisms.

Political observers caution that while the registration process may be technical, the implications are deeply political. Should ADA be registered, it may reshape Nigeria’s political chessboard, especially if it draws from both the ruling and opposition camps.

As the nation watches closely, the emergence of the All Democratic Alliance introduces a new dimension to Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Whether ADA will ultimately qualify and thrive remains to be seen, but its entry signals that the 2027 race has already begun—well before the ballots are cast.