….Keyamo scorns ADA registration, says it’s ‘psychological warfare on Nigerians’
By Our Reporters
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar seems to have conceded defeat in his battle for control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), abandoning the opposition to form a new political party alongside former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
Weighing in on the development, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN dismissed the opposition’s new party registration as political theatre, accusing its backers of engaging in psychological warfare against Nigerian voters.
The new party, named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), has formally applied for registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marking a dramatic realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics. Documents seen by Spear News confirm that ADA’s application was submitted on 19 June and acknowledged by INEC on Friday.
The move signals Atiku’s recognition that his influence within the PDP has waned irreversibly, with the party’s leadership unwilling to grant him its presidential ticket for the 2027 election. Sources within the PDP indicate that the party remains scarred by its decision to field Atiku in 2023, a move many now regard as a strategic blunder that contributed to its defeat.
Atiku’s silence in recent weeks, as the PDP’s internal crisis deepened, had already fuelled speculation about his next move. Now, his alliance with El-Rufai and Amaechi, two figures with significant but controversial political clout, suggests a calculated effort to remain relevant ahead of the next general elections.
Spear News can authoritatively report that Atiku has come to the sobering realization that none of Nigeria’s established political parties are prepared to hand him their presidential ticket for the 2027 elections. High level sources within opposition circles confirm that Atiku’s camp has conducted extensive consultations across party lines, only to encounter what one insider described as “a wall of polite rejections and veiled opposition.”
It will be recalled that Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, announced his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) earlier this year. Investigations reveal that El-Rufai’s move to the SDP was intended as a temporary arrangement to pave the way for Atiku’s potential entry, perhaps to fly the party 2027 presidential flag. However, his admission into the party faced strong opposition from senior members, who resisted him.
A senior political strategist familiar with the matter revealed: “Atiku understands the current political reality- the landscape has shifted dramatically since 2023. None of the major parties, including even some smaller ones, are willing to simply hand him their ticket on a silver platter. There are complex power dynamics at play, with various factions positioning their own candidates.”
The situation appears more dire than simple political competition. Another source within Atiku’s close circle disclosed: “The former VP is determined to stay on the safe side this time. We have irrefutable evidence that the ruling party has deeply embedded operatives within opposition structures. These are not just rumours, we are talking about real infiltration that could sabotage any last minute negotiations or primary processes.”
This revelation explains the urgency behind the formation of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). What initially appeared as a bold political move now emerges as a necessary defensive strategy. A veteran party member, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained: “Registering a new party is not just Plan B – it’s the only viable option when you can’t trust the existing structures. This way, they control the entire apparatus from the ground up, minimizing the risk of eleventh hour surprises that have derailed opposition efforts in past election cycles.”
The National Opposition Coalition Group, spearheading ADA’s formation, includes high-profile defectors from different parties. Alongside Atiku and El-Rufai, the group features Umar Ardo, a former aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and convener of the League of Northern Democrats.
In its application to INEC, ADA outlined its slogan as “Justice for All” and adopted a maize cob as its symbol, representing “abundance, resilience, and sustenance.” The party’s constitution, manifesto, and foundational meeting minutes were submitted alongside the registration request.
Political analysts are divided on whether ADA stands a realistic chance of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While the new party seeks to capitalise on the ongoing reforms by the Tinubu’s administration that have led to public discontent, its founders carry significant baggage.
El-Rufai remains a polarising figure, particularly in Southern Nigeria, due to his hardline policies as Kaduna governor. Amaechi, meanwhile, has seen his influence decline since his fallout with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Atiku, despite his experience, has failed to win the presidency in six attempts, raising questions about his electoral viability.
Atiku’s exit leaves the PDP firmly under the control of Wike’s faction, which has steadily consolidated power since the 2023 elections. While this may bring temporary stability, the party now faces an existential question: can it rebuild without its most prominent northern figure?
For the APC, the emergence of ADA presents both risks and opportunities. A fragmented opposition could work in the ruling party’s favour, but if ADA gains traction, particularly in the North, it could complicate Tinubu’s re-election bid.
INEC has reiterated that party registration must comply with constitutional and electoral laws, emphasising that the process is strictly legal, not political. ADA’s approval is not guaranteed, but if successful, Nigeria’s political landscape could witness its most significant shake-up since the APC’s formation in 2013.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has dismissed the ongoing registration of a new political party as mere hype, denying claims that it represents a significant coalition akin to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.
In a strongly worded statement on his X account, Keyamo described the development as “an unnecessary hype” and “psychological warfare on Nigerians,” insisting that no recognised political parties are involved in the process.
“This is just a simple application for party registration. There is nothing like a ‘coalition’ here,” Keyamo stated. “It is an unnecessary hype the promoters have been struggling to create all along; it is just a psychological warfare on Nigerians, a weak attempt at mass appeal.”
He further mocked comparisons to the historic merger that birthed the APC in 2013, calling the current effort “a pedestrian joke” and “a complete mockery” of the seismic political realignment that brought opposition parties together a decade ago.
Keyamo emphasized that the move merely represents a few individuals exercising their constitutional right to form a political association, not a merger of existing parties.
“A few individuals exercising their constitutional right to form a new political party cannot be described as a ‘coalition’ or even a ‘merger,’” he said. “This is not different from several political associations springing up every day for the same purpose.”
The minister concluded by labeling the entire process a “disappointing anti-climax” after what he called excessive “pomp and pageantry” by its promoters.
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