2027: INEC Cannot Stop Anti-Tinubu Coalition Party — Amaechi Report
A newly surfaced report attributed to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has asserted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no constitutional power to stop the formation of a new political coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The report, which outlines the framework for a proposed political movement named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), was drafted as part of consultations among key opposition leaders. The ADA is being promoted as a third-force alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to the Amaechi-led document, INEC is legally bound to register any political association that meets the requirements set out in the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act. It emphasizes that the electoral commission cannot arbitrarily deny registration to a political group that fulfills necessary conditions, including a functional national headquarters, presence across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, and adherence to democratic principles.
The report also reveals that the coalition is considering merging with or adopting an already registered political party such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to avoid registration delays. Coalition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Nasir El-Rufai, are reportedly involved in the ongoing consultations.
Legal experts cited in the report affirmed that INEC has no constitutional grounds to deny any qualified political association. The report argues that any move by INEC to block ADA would likely be overturned in court and could trigger public backlash against perceived political interference.
Observers believe the emerging coalition poses a significant challenge to President Tinubu’s re-election bid, especially amid rising public dissatisfaction and internal crises within the APC and PDP. The coalition aims to present a unified presidential candidate and a joint platform that could reshape Nigeria’s political direction.
As preparations for 2027 intensify, the coalition’s legal strategy and political alignment could become a major test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the independence of INEC.
