Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai says that opposition leaders chose to establish the All Democratic Alliance (ADA)—a brand-new political party—to protect their efforts from alleged sabotage by government-backed agents. Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, he explained that although initial discussions considered taking over an existing party, fears of infiltration and internal disruption led to consensus on starting with a clean slate.
El-Rufai accused the ruling party of deliberately “injecting viruses” into opposition platforms by funding factions and engineering crises in established parties such as the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP. He said, “Many of our leaders said the only way to avoid that is to start afresh.”
ADA Registration and Anticipated Resistance
According to El-Rufai, the coalition’s three factions agreed on unified branding—name, constitution, and logo—and already submitted ADA’s registration documents to INEC. He anticipates pushback from federal authorities attempting to stall the process. Still, he said the law allows automatic registration of a party if the electoral body fails to respond within the legally specified timeframe. ADA’s leaders say they’re prepared to expose any non-compliance .
Temporary Stay in SDP Pending Coalition Consensus
El-Rufai clarified his recent move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing it as a temporary step while the broader coalition finalises its direction. He noted that notable figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi remain in their respective parties pending collective agreement on a shared platform. “I said I was there pending the decision of the larger coalition,” he told Arise TV viewers.
He acknowledged the SDP’s emotional and historical appeal but emphasised that unity and national interest must prevail over personal loyalties. “The SDP has emotional value and a good legacy. But this is not about personal views. It is about Nigerians. And Nigerians are tired of the APC,” he argued.
Sharp Criticism of Tinubu’s Performance
El-Rufai voiced regret over his initial support for Bola Tinubu’s presidency, stating: “I contributed to bringing Bola Tinubu into office, and I regret it. I want to contribute to removing this administration before it destroys Nigeria.”
He cited what he called “dismal approval ratings,” claiming “91 percent disapproval” in parts of the Southeast and North, and “78 percent” even within Lagos. President Tinubu’s administration, he charged, mismanages public revenue and repackages state-level development projects as federal achievements. He also dismissed speculation that his opposition stemmed from his failed ministerial vetting, asserting simply, “I don’t care. Every morning I wake up and thank God I’m not part of this government. They are inflicting pain on the people.”
Cabinet Size Criticised Amid Governance Failures
El-Rufai lambasted the expansive federal cabinet, calling it “the largest in the country’s history” and claiming only “five ministers are actually working.” He argued that the majority lack competence and contribute little to governance. “This is the largest cabinet in Nigeria’s history. Maybe five ministers are actually working. The rest don’t know what they’re doing,” he said.
Scathing Verdict on the Ruling Elite
In a pointed conclusion, El-Rufai branded the ruling class “urban bandits” destroying the nation and urged unified opposition to halt the decline. He called for consolidation under ADA or any viable national alternative.
Historical Context: Opposition Realignments
El-Rufai’s departure from the ruling party in March 2025, when he joined the SDP, marked a notable shift within elite political circles . His decision followed growing misalignment with the party’s current direction—many senior APC figures have publicly admitted that the party no longer reflects the vision at its inception.
Despite the SDP’s legacy appeal, El-Rufai insists that its emotional significance must bow to strategic unity. He previously urged prominent figures—Atiku, Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola, and Rotimi Amaechi—to join the party to present a credible challenge in the 2027 election.
Opposition Merger or New Party?
The question of whether to merge into a viable existing party or form ADA remains open. A coalition caretaker committee—reportedly weighing SDP, ADC, and registration anew—is preparing a final decision . Sources close to the committee say ADC may not serve as the chosen vehicle, though discussions continue.
What Lies Ahead for ADA
If ADA secures legal recognition, it will offer opposition figures a fresh base untainted by factional politics. El-Rufai views this as essential to avoiding sabotage and ensuring genuine coalition-building. Yet success depends on prompt legal recognition, unity among alliance figures, and operational structure across states—even more so as the 2027 general election nears.
Conclusion: Opposition at a Fault Line
El-Rufai’s candid interview signals major realignment within Nigerian politics. A unified opposition may combat alleged ruling class sabotage. But diverging ambitions among key figures—Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, Aregbesola—also challenge that unity.
ADA’s ability to register, attract credible leaders, and field formidable candidates could pivot the political landscape. Conversely, failure to harmonise may fracture the opposition further, leaving Tinubu’s APC unchallenged.
As July progresses, all eyes will remain on INEC’s response and coalition leaders’ next moves. El-Rufai’s decision to defy his old party, rally change, and warn of “urban bandits” suggests the 2027 election could hinge on whether Nigeria’s fractured opposition can truly unite.
