New opposition party ADA emerges to challenge APC ahead of 2027 elections

Summary

• David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, and others launch All Democratic Alliance (ADA)
• Party aims to offer credible alternative amid dissatisfaction with APC governance
• INEC registration still pending as coalition eyes national impact

Abuja, Nigeria — In a bold move reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape, prominent opposition figures including former Senate President David Mark and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have launched a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The party, formed to contest the 2027 general elections, is poised to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ADA emerged from the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG), chaired by Mark, and was formalised on June 19, 2025, following a series of strategic meetings led by Amaechi and committee secretary Umar Ardo.

The 15-member New Platform Committee approved the party’s name, logo, slogan, motto (“Justice For All”), constitution, and interim leadership, with Chief Akin A. serving as interim chairman.

The formation of the ADA reflects growing disillusionment with existing opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose internal divisions and leadership crises have weakened its influence.

Coalition members cited widespread economic hardship, poverty, and insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as major motivations for establishing a united front.

Alongside Mark and Amaechi, the ADA features an impressive list of political heavyweights including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-governors Nasir el-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, and former ministers Rauf Aregbesola, Abubakar Malami, and Babachir Lawal.

The party has applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for official registration, but Amaechi has alleged that the commission is deliberately stalling the process.

The interim leadership is actively working to fulfil INEC’s registration requirements, including securing an office and opening a bank account. However, discussions are also underway to merge with already registered parties like the Action Democratic Party (ADP) or Social Democratic Party (SDP) if registration fails.

Public reaction to the ADA’s debut has been mixed but energetic, with many Nigerians expressing hope for a viable alternative. Social media users on X have celebrated the party’s emergence, although some mistakenly refer to it as the “All Democratic Congress (ADC).”

Despite its strong lineup, analysts warn the ADA could face internal conflicts, particularly over potential presidential candidacies. Tensions reportedly exist between Atiku and Obi, while Amaechi, a vocal critic of Tinubu’s government, has hinted at his own interest in the presidency.

The ADA’s success hinges not only on INEC’s approval but also on its ability to sustain internal unity and present a compelling vision to a politically fatigued electorate.

Meanwhile, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has described the birth of the new opposition party as a failed attempt to recreate the 2013 coalition.

In a post on his X account on Friday, Keyamo described the move as “a pedestrian joke” that would not achieve its desired result, while emphasising that the move is not different from several political associations springing up every day for the same purpose.

It remains to be seen what influence the Party can wield and if such influence can turn the tide in the upcoming 2027 elections.