By Chijioke Amadi

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a respected northern elder and former political adviser in the Office of the Vice President during President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, has voiced strong skepticism about the chances of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) approving the registration of the proposed political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

Speaking during an appearance on Arise News Channel’s flagship program, The Morning Show, on Monday, Baba-Ahmed cautioned that the process of gaining INEC’s approval is fraught with challenges-so much so that “unless a miracle happens,” ADA's application might not see the light of day.

“There are numerous pending applications before INEC, and it has not approved the registration of any new party in quite some time,” Baba-Ahmed remarked, implying that the ADA’s emergence is unlikely under the current climate.

He also warned of the reputational risks INEC could face if it appears to show favoritism. With ADA reportedly backed by high-profile political figures, Baba-Ahmed said the electoral body must tread carefully to maintain its neutrality and credibility.

“If INEC were to fast-track the registration of a party just because it has prominent names attached to it, it would be seen as politically compromised. Nigerians are watching closely, and such a move could damage public trust,” he added.

The ADA is being championed by the Nigerian National Coalition Group (NNCG), a growing anti-Tinubu bloc said to comprise influential politicians such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Dr. Umar Ardo, leader of the League of Northern Democrats.

Following months of strategic planning and internal negotiations, the NNCG submitted an official application to INEC on June 19, 2025, to register ADA as a political party. INEC acknowledged receipt of the application the following day. The document was signed by Chief Akin A. Ricketts, who currently serves as the Protem National Chairman of the emerging party.

The letter stated: “We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), as a political party… Our slogan shall be ‘Justice for All’.”

The push to form a new party was driven by the coalition’s disenchantment with existing political platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which they viewed as unstable due to internal power struggles and legal challenges.

According to Baba-Ahmed, the decision to build a fresh political vehicle from the ground up reflects the coalition’s desire for a truly inclusive and neutral space—one where members feel like equal partners rather than guests in someone else’s political structure.

However, he cautioned that the logistics and legal hurdles associated with registering a new political party in Nigeria are complex and demanding.

“Trying to establish a party simply to create a level playing field where no one feels like a tenant is commendable in theory-but in practice, it’s a tall order,” he observed.

To avoid allegations of bias, Baba-Ahmed suggested that INEC, if it does feel compelled to register new parties, should consider approving multiple applications simultaneously.

“If INEC feels pressure to act, it must register several parties at once—not just the one with big-name sponsors. That’s the only way to remain fair and lawful,” he concluded.

As the political climate heats up ahead of the next general election cycle, the fate of ADA—and INEC’s response—remains a key point of national interest.