A cloud of confusion has emerged over the future of the opposition coalition being championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party's presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State. The confusion centers around Atiku's involvement in the coalition and the adoption of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as the coalition's official vehicle.
*Atiku's Special Assistant Weighs In*
Atiku's Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy, Demola Olarenwaju, has distanced the former Vice President and his group from the coalition and adoption of ADA, noting that the group still has issues to sort out. However, a highly placed anonymous source close to Atiku contradicted this statement, saying the coalition was not that of the former Vice President ¹.
*The Coalition's Objective*
According to El-Rufai, the coalition was set up to remove President Tinubu from power in 2027. The National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG) has officially written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to seek approval for the registration of ADA. Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam described ADA as the baptismal name for the coalition, stressing that it has no excuse to underperform if registered and eventually finds its way into power in 2027 ².
*Reactions from Other Groups*
The Arewa Empowerment Coalition (AEC) has slammed the proposed Atiku-led alliance as misguided and opportunistic, questioning the credibility of the coalition's leaders. Similarly, the Oduwa People’s Assembly (OPA) and the Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) have raised concerns about the coalition's intentions and the motivations of its leaders ³ ⁴ ⁵.
*INEC's Response*
INEC has confirmed receiving the application for registration from the ADA, with a total of 110 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties. The commission's response has added to the anticipation surrounding the coalition's future ⁶.
*What's Next?*
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders and observers are eagerly awaiting the coalition's next move. A meeting is reportedly scheduled to wrap up the process and provide clarity on the coalition's direction. Until then, the confusion surrounding Atiku's involvement and the adoption of ADA is likely to persist ¹.
