On the 21st of June, 2025, Nigerians woke up to witness a major shift unfolding across the country’s political landscape. Most notably, something long-awaited finally began to take shape — the rise of a coalition of influential political leaders joining hands to establish a new, formidable political party aimed at challenging the dominance of the ruling APC. This new formation — whether described as a movement, alliance, or political awakening — is known as the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). The initiative mirrors how the APC itself was originally born.
A great deal transpired before this historic moment — conversations, consultations, intense strategy sessions — and now, the official birth of a fresh political journey has been announced.
The movement is being spearheaded by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, adding significant weight to its emergence. Alongside them are both fresh political faces and seasoned power players, signalling a landmark turning point in Nigeria’s democratic direction.
National Zonal Leadership
Atiku Abubakar oversees the North East.
Nasir El-Rufai, widely known for bold reforms and his legacy of infrastructure in Kaduna, is leading the North West.
David Mark, a respected elder statesman and former Senate President, is driving strategy in the North Central.
Rotimi Amaechi, a fearless voice from the South-South and former Minister of Transport, coordinates the South-South.
Peter Obi, admired for his integrity and efficient leadership as former Anambra Governor, remains the leading face in the South East.
Rauf Aregbesola, a renowned grassroots mobilizer and former Osun State Governor, champions the South West.
Also playing vital roles in this political reawakening are
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, ex-Governor of Sokoto and former Speaker of the House of Representatives;
Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy known for tech advocacy and youth empowerment; and
Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General renowned for his legal intellect and administrative capacity.
Joining this national renaissance are prominent ex-governors such as
Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano),
Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe),
Rochas Okorocha (Imo), and
Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna). Together, they are building what many already consider a major disruptor in Nigeria’s political order.
None of these political heavyweights are joining ADA to pursue personal ambitions. Not one of them will be contesting for Governor, House of Reps, State Assembly, LG Chairman, or Ambassadorial roles. They have chosen to set aside individual interests to create a new political legacy — a platform designed for Nigerian youth, women, professionals, and innovators to lead the next chapter.
ADA is intentionally modeled to mirror global democratic best practices. From its constitution, decision-making organs, to its candidacy structure — it guarantees:
40% youth representation
35% women inclusion
Open and transparent primaries
Digital party administration
State-level independence in structure
From July to December 2025, a wave of defections is expected from both APC and PDP. But this time, defections won’t be driven by financial inducements — they’ll be inspired by the trust, credibility, and hope the ADA leadership embodies. Nigerians are now looking for leaders who do not seek positions but create platforms.
Already, youth movements, student unions, women cooperatives, civil society groups, ex-servicemen, and former labour leaders are aligning with ADA — because for the first time in decades, a political party is built around a vision, not a personality cult.
The 2027 general elections won’t just see ADA participating — ADA is coming to win. With its deep national reach, trusted leadership, modern policy focus, and clear values of equity and openness, ADA is positioned to reset Nigeria’s political compass.
