Atiku, El-Rufai Float New Party, Apply to INEC for Registration

The National Opposition Coalition Group, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Kaduna State ex-governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the registration of a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The application, dated June 19, was acknowledged by INEC on Friday, marking a significant development in the country’s political landscape.

The formation of ADA is a strategic move by the opposition coalition to capitalize on the growing public dissatisfaction with the current government and to provide a viable alternative to the ruling party.

The new party is backed by several key political heavyweights, including former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats and former aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The application for registration comes just a few days after INEC warned political groups that it would not compromise on the strict compliance with constitutional and electoral guidelines.

The commission emphasized that party registration is a rigorous constitutional process that requires careful consideration and adherence to established procedures.

Despite the warnings, the national opposition coalition has decided to proceed with the registration of ADA, putting an end to weeks of speculation about whether it would revive a dormant political platform or launch a fresh one.

The application letter, jointly signed by the association’s Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Rickets, and Protem National Secretary, Abdullahi Elayo, marks a significant milestone in the formation of the new party.

The launch of ADA is seen as a direct challenge to the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu, who is expected to seek re-election in the next poll.

The opposition coalition believes that the new party will provide a strong platform to mobilize support and resources to defeat the incumbent president and bring about a change in government.

The registration of ADA is expected to be a long and rigorous process, with INEC subjecting the application to careful scrutiny and evaluation.

However, if successful, the new party is expected to shake up the political landscape and provide a fresh alternative to the Nigerian electorate.