INEC Stalls ADA Registration, Coalition Moves To Adopt ADC

INEC Stalls ADA Registration, Coalition Moves To Adopt ADC.
David Mark set to lead ADC as interim chairman during the transition.
Coalition still pursuing new party registration despite adopting ADC.

The coalition of opposition forces has concluded plans to formally adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition in the 2027 general elections.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the decision comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stalled the registration process of the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which was initially intended to serve as the coalition’s political vehicle. With this setback, coalition leaders have now resolved to back the ADC.

The ADC quickly became the preferred option after merger talks with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) collapsed.

The opposition coalition, officially launched on March 20, includes prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Speaking to Daily Trust on Monday, coalition leader Dr Umar Ardo confirmed that most leaders have settled on adopting the ADC and would make a formal announcement on Wednesday. He also revealed that despite this decision, the coalition would continue efforts to register the ADA.

“Most of the leaders have adopted ADC, and they will formally announce their position on Wednesday. But we’ve also agreed that both efforts — adopting the ADC and pursuing ADA registration — can proceed simultaneously,” Ardo said.

He added that the coalition remains confident INEC will act in line with the law if the registration process for ADA is properly pursued.

Ardo explained that adopting the ADC and pushing for ADA registration are not conflicting moves but part of a broader strategy to strengthen the opposition’s grassroots presence.

However, he raised concerns about potential risks in taking over an existing party, citing fears of “external manipulations” and legal complications.

“One of our key fears is undue influence. Those against forming a new party worry about government interference with INEC, but fusing into an existing party exposes us to entrenched interests and internal battles.

“For instance, the ADC’s executives, elected in December 2022, have said they will not relinquish their positions until December 2026. That could be a legal landmine, as any court decision could jeopardise the coalition’s plans,” he warned.

Ardo also noted that relying solely on an existing party structure could alienate committed coalition members and weaken internal cohesion.

“If our only aim is to remove Tinubu in 2027, then we are no different from the forces that removed Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. This coalition should be about sparking real change in Nigeria’s political system,” he said.