By Abiola Olawale
The political landscape of Nigeria is gearing up ahead of the 2027 general elections , as the opposition coalition has formed its leadership line-up to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The coalition, made up of several political heavyweights, has named former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former Governor of Osun State, Rotimi Amaechi, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former President of the Senate David Mark as its zonal leaders, to spearhead the formation of a new political party and drive the coalition.
This comes as these political heavyweights joined forces to launch the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a new political party aimed at challenging the APC in the 2027 general elections.
These political leaders operating under the aegis of the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG), have formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking the registration of the new political party.
The New Diplomat gathered that the coalition, strategically organized to cover Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, has assigned its top leaders to galvanize support and mobilize grassroots momentum.
According to sources close to the operation, the leadership structure is as follows:
North-East: Atiku Abubakar – The seasoned PDP stalwart and former Vice President is expected to bring his political acumen to rally the North-East.
North-Central: David Mark – The former Senate President, known for his legislative prowess, has been assigned to anchor the coalition’s efforts in the North-Central zone.
North-West: Nasir El-Rufai – The ex-Kaduna governor and Social Democratic Party (SDP) chieftain is said to be assigned to galvanize support for the new party in the North-West.
South-East: Peter Obi – The Labour Party’s reformist icon will lead the South-East. He is expected to bring his massive youth following to the table.
South-South: Rotimi Amaechi – The former Rivers State Governor and Transportation Minister is expected to steer the affairs of the party in the South-South.
South-West: Rauf Aregbesola – a former Osun State Governor, he is expected to be at helm in the South-West, bringing his grassroots appeal to the table.
This lineup comes after the announcement of the new party in an application letter, dated 19th June, 2025.
The letter was signed by the association’s Protem National Chairman, Chief Akin A. Rickets.
The letter read in part: “Application For Registration As A Political Party.
“We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance, ADA, as a political party.
“This is a sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.
“The name of the party shall be All Democratic Alliance with ADA as our acronym and ‘Justice for All’ as our slogan.
“The National Secretariat of the party is, as stated at the bottom of the association’s letterhead, used in this application.
“We have also herewith attached our logo, describing in detail the symbolism of our party colours and their configuration, and the corn (Maize).
“We have further attached our manifesto encompassing details of our party ideology, and our constitution providing the legal framework that defines our identity, structures and organization, regulates our affairs and guides our actions in alignment with Section 40 and 222 of the Constitution, Section 75 of the Electoral Act (2022) and global democratic principles and objectives.
“Please find attached the following documents: our party flag depicting our name, acronym, and slogan, manifesto, constitution, and minutes of meeting.
“While we eagerly await further action from the commission on the next step forward towards attaining our desired goal, please accept the consideration of our highest respect. Thank you yours most sincerely; Chief Akin A. Rickets, Protem National Chairman.”
