ADA: Will New Atiku, El-Rufai-led Political Party Stop Tinubu in 2027?

A new political force is rising, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) spearheaded by familiar political heavyweights who appear to have lost faith in their traditional parties. 

With names like Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and David Mark being linked to the movement, the big question is: Can ADA truly mount a serious challenge to President Tinubu’s re-election hopes in 2027?

Coalition of the disenchanted in the camp

For months, whispers of discontent have echoed through both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

But on June 19, 2025, that discontent turned into action. A group of political veterans, gathered under the National Opposition Coalition Group (NOCG), officially unveiled ADA, a new political vehicle formed out of frustration with the status quo and the perceived failures of existing opposition structures.

While David Mark has been visibly involved in chairing the meetings, sources say former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have been key players behind the scenes, working to pull together diverse opposition interests. 

The creation of a 15-member committee led by former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi has already approved ADA’s name, logo, manifesto, and interim leadership.

What does ADA stand for?

ADA’s early messaging is focused on inclusive governance, national unity, and democratic accountability. 

This is no coincidence. With Nigeria still grappling with issues of ethnic division, insecurity, and growing poverty, ADA wants to position itself as a credible and people-driven alternative.

Chief Akin A. Ricketts has been named the Protem Chairman, while Abdullahi Musa Elayo is the Protem National Secretary. Their immediate task is to secure registration with INEC, set up a functional party office, and begin the groundwork to field candidates nationwide by 2027.

Why now?

This realignment is being viewed by analysts as the most significant since the formation of the APC in 2013. The PDP has struggled with internal fractures, lack of direction, and an inability to present a unified opposition.

ADA is emerging as an attempt to fill that vacuum and possibly merge smaller parties and movements into one cohesive front.

Critics of the Tinubu administration have pointed to economic hardship, subsidy controversies, and growing insecurity as reasons why the electorate may be open to change. ADA seems to be capitalizing on that sentiment.

Can it stop Tinubu?

That’s the million-dollar question. President Bola Tinubu, despite controversies and opposition, still commands loyalty within the APC and holds significant influence in the political machinery of the country. 

However, a united opposition especially one with heavyweights like Atiku, El-Rufai, and Amaechi cannot be dismissed. The real threat lies not just in ADA’s formation, but in its ability to:

Attract mass defections from PDP, LP, and even APC.

Mobilize youth and grassroots voters who are tired of recycled promises.

Offer a credible presidential candidate who resonates across ethnic and religious lines.

If ADA can achieve these, it could spark the biggest political upset Nigeria has seen since Jonathan’s loss in 2015.