…INEC yet to register proposed All Democratic Alliance
…ADC to be adopted as unified platform today

Barring any last-minute changes, a coalition of opposition political forces is expected to formally adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) today, Wednesday, July 2, as its platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Multiple sources close to the alliance have confirmed that leaders have reached a consensus to back the ADC following delays by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in approving the registration of their previously proposed party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The coalition comprises influential political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The group initially explored a merger with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but negotiations reportedly collapsed in May.

By late June, the majority of coalition members had shifted their preference to the ADC, citing the party’s nationwide presence and availability for immediate political engagement.

Although the ADC is now the preferred vehicle for the 2027 elections, coalition leaders have simultaneously submitted a formal application to INEC seeking the registration of ADA. According to Dr Umar Ardo, a key figure in the coalition and leader of the Northern League of Democrats, the application was acknowledged by INEC in a letter dated June 27 and signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Mrs Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

“We’ve agreed that both efforts can run side by side. ADC is our immediate option, while ADA represents our long-term political vision,” Dr Ardo said.

However, he expressed reservations about the use of the ADC, noting that its current national executive committee, elected in December 2022, is not expected to step down until 2026. He warned that this could create internal friction during the presidential primary process.

Dr Ardo rejected claims that the coalition’s singular aim is to unseat President Tinubu.

“If our sole purpose is to remove Tinubu, then we’re no different from those who removed Jonathan in 2015. We must go beyond that. This coalition is about initiating a national renewal,” he stated.

He maintained that the coalition’s true objective is to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative and reform governance across all levels.