Atiku, El-rufai write INEC for registration of New Party, All Democratic Alliance

After weeks of internal deliberations, the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG) has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register a new political party named All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The application letter, dated June 19, 2025, and officially stamped received by INEC on June 20, was signed by Chief Akin A. Rickets, Protem National Chairman of the association. A copy of the letter, obtained by Politics Nigeria, sets out the coalition’s intentions in detail:

“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 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 details 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.”

The NNCG coalition comprises several high-profile figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; ex–Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; his Kaduna State counterpart Nasir El-Rufai; Dr. Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats; and other notable public officeholders and party strategists.

Initially, the coalition explored merging with existing parties—chiefly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP)—but withdrew due to concerns about “internal wrangling” and ongoing litigations within those ranks. A special committee chaired by Rotimi Amaechi was convened to assess whether to join an established party or launch a fresh platform. Roughly a week ago, the committee recommended creating a new party to ensure all members begin “on equal footing in terms of membership.”

With ADA’s formal application now before INEC, the coalition awaits the commission’s guidance on the next steps toward obtaining full party status ahead of the 2027 general elections.