With the 2027 General Election still over a year away, the political landscape in Nigeria is already heating up as opponents of President Bola Tinubu reportedly adopt strategic subterfuge to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

One such maneuver, GWG.ng reports, is the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA)—a newly proposed political party being portrayed as a unifying platform for opposition forces. However, insiders claim that the move is largely a diversion, meant to distract the Tinubu-led APC while real opposition coordination continues elsewhere.

 

According to GWG.ng, the Nigeria National Coalition Group (NNCG) on Friday submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register ADA. The move sparked immediate speculation and concern within APC circles, especially following the announcement of Chief Akin Ricketts as the party’s protem chairman.

 

Ricketts, a longtime associate of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, previously served as chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), making his appointment to ADA’s leadership appear significant. Political observers saw this as a sign of high-level coordination within opposition ranks.

 

But credible sources within opposition circles have downplayed the importance of ADA, describing it as a “decoy.” The real opposition, they say, is quietly coalescing around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party that previously fielded candidates like Kingsley Moghalu and enjoyed support from younger, reform-minded voters.

 

According to the sources, the delay in formally naming the ADC as the primary opposition platform is due in part to the temporary absence of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, who is reportedly in London. Obi’s alignment with any party could significantly influence the shape and credibility of the opposition coalition.

 

“Their goal with ADA is simply to distract,” one insider told GWG.ng. “Meanwhile, serious discussions are happening within the ADC and other platforms to create a credible alternative for 2027.”

 

Opposition figures are also reportedly aware of efforts by pro-Tinubu interests to infiltrate their ranks using financial inducements. One source alleged that there are plans to “buy up positions” within the opposition using moles disguised as supporters.

 

“We know their plots,” the source said. “They want to use money to hijack our structures, but we are prepared. This isn’t just about Tinubu. It’s about rescuing Nigeria and enthroning good governance.”

 

The source further accused the ruling party of attempting to brand all opposition activity as “anti-Tinubu,” thereby personalizing what they claim is a broader national struggle for political accountability, economic recovery, and institutional reform.

 

“This is not about one man,” the source added. “We’re not just opposing Tinubu; we’re fighting for a system that works for Nigerians.”

 

With opposition realignments, covert strategies, and potential mergers in motion, the political tempo is expected to rise steadily over the coming months. Whether ADA is a serious contender or merely a smokescreen, one thing is clear: the race to 2027 has already begun—long before the campaign season officially opens.