Update: Ruling Party APC Suspected of Propping Up New Opposition Front ADA to Sabotage 2027 Coalition

 

A fresh layer of intrigue has gripped Nigeria’s political landscape as the All Progressives Congress (APC) stands accused of covertly propping up a newly registered opposition coalition party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), in a strategic move to fracture and confuse the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While ADA brands itself as a new political force advocating unity and justice, political insiders and observers believe it may be a carefully crafted diversion, allegedly designed and promoted by the ruling APC to undermine the growing strength of the opposition coalition aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu.

What began as a serious alliance of political heavyweights from across the spectrum is now under threat. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and a cadre of former Tinubu allies, including ex-governors and senior political figures, had been building momentum toward forming a unified front. Their initial plan involved merging with credible, established political parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

That trajectory shifted dramatically following a meeting of the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG), chaired by Senator David Mark. On June 19, during a closed-door session held in Asokoro, Abuja, the coalition’s New Platform Committee announced the formation of ADA and initiated its registration with INEC. The party, led by interim figures Chief Akin A. Ricketts and Abdullahi Musa Elayo, adopted the slogan Justice for All and unveiled a maize-themed logo, presenting itself as a fresh alternative focused on justice and equity.

But behind the scenes, questions are mounting over ADA’s true purpose.

Multiple sources suggest that the APC may be covertly backing the party to dilute the opposition vote, disorient supporters, and create internal friction among coalition members. This theory gained traction after APC chieftain and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo launched a public campaign mocking ADA. Curiously, despite his dismissal of the party as a "pedestrian joke" and "mere application," his continued commentary has provided ADA with a disproportionate share of media coverage.

Analysts argue that the ruling party’s strategy is not just to ridicule ADA but to elevate its visibility, sow doubt among opposition supporters, and pit powerful figures like Atiku and Obi against each other. The narrative being shaped is one of confusion, not cohesion.

A deeper concern is how INEC's response to ADA’s registration may play into this plot. There is growing suspicion that the APC is applying pressure on INEC to fast-track ADA’s approval, giving it official recognition and enabling it to overshadow more established opposition blocs. If successful, this maneuver could box the broader opposition into a hastily formed party, less capable of challenging a well-resourced ruling party machine.

The broader opposition, meanwhile, faces a credibility test. The formation of ADA has sparked internal debates and exposed fragile alliances that may not withstand the strain of political manipulation. Many Nigerians are already questioning whether the coalition can maintain a unified front or whether it will collapse under competing ambitions and external interference.

Despite these challenges, the opposition still commands significant public support. Millions remain disillusioned with the current administration and are eager for change. But as ADA continues to rise, carrying the appearance of a legitimate alternative, the risk grows that this could be a carefully laid trap designed to fracture that hope.

To avoid falling into the APC’s apparent playbook, opposition leaders must act decisively. Clarity, coordination, and consistency are essential in this critical moment. They must either draw a clear line between themselves and ADA or publicly embrace and explain it as their collective vehicle. Failure to do either leaves the door wide open for the ruling party to dominate the narrative.

The political gamesmanship has begun in earnest. While the public watches closely, the question remains whether the opposition can see through the smokescreen or whether ADA will become the wedge that splits their aspirations before 2027 even arrives.

*by Luminous Jannamike