The future of Nigeria’s proposed opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election remains uncertain, as key political figures and groups disagree over the coalition’s official political platform.
Spearheaded by prominent political heavyweights including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, the coalition has yet to reach a consensus on a unified party structure.
Amid this uncertainty, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a proposed political party, has emerged as a potential vehicle for the coalition. The ADA is still undergoing registration processes with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which recently confirmed that the group has not met the necessary requirements to be approved.
The National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG), believed to be linked to the broader alliance, had earlier written to INEC seeking ADA’s registration. The letter, dated June 19, was signed by Chief Akin A. Rickets and Abdullahi Elayo as Protem National Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
Commenting on the developments, activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam referred to ADA as the “baptismal name” of the coalition, warning that if it comes to power in 2027, it must outperform the current administration or risk national collapse.
However, in a twist, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai distanced the coalition from ADA during a recent interview on Arise Television, advocating instead for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the coalition’s ideal political platform. “I strongly believe that the SDP is the best platform for a coalition,” El-Rufai stated, citing its history, legacy, and broad appeal.
Adding to the confusion, Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy, Demola Olarenwaju, denied any formal connection between Atiku’s camp and ADA. An anonymous source close to the former Vice President echoed the sentiment, stressing that no official decision has been made on the coalition’s party vehicle.
“People are going ahead of the coalition. Has the coalition officially endorsed ADA or any party? No. What’s happening now is premature,” the source said. He warned against portraying the movement as solely Atiku’s project, noting such narratives could undermine unity among the opposition ranks.
In May, speculation also swirled around the possible adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but the rumour was later dismissed as false.
As pressure mounts ahead of the 2027 elections, all eyes remain on the coalition leaders to make a definitive move. Political observers expect a formal announcement soon, with sources hinting that a pivotal meeting may take place in the coming days to finalize the coalition’s direction.
For now, Nigeria watches closely as the opposition struggles to find common ground in its quest to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in what could be a defining election for the nation.
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