Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has voiced strong concerns over the likelihood that President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will hinder the registration of a new political party backed by opposition figures preparing for the 2027 elections.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, El-Rufai warned that the political atmosphere may not allow for a fair and independent registration process, casting doubt on INEC’s impartiality under its current leadership.
“Many of us believe that under this INEC, a new party won’t be registered. Mahmoud Yakubu is not Jega, and Tinubu is not Jonathan. That’s the difference,” El-Rufai said.
He added that despite widespread skepticism, the coalition is determined to pursue registration to expose what it sees as undue government influence on democratic processes. “We want to show that INEC isn’t independent and that the government is interfering to suppress credible opposition.”
Opposition Coalition Eyes New Platform or Revives Existing One
El-Rufai confirmed that discussions are ongoing with influential political heavyweights such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The coalition is considering two strategic paths: either reviving an existing party like the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or African Democratic Congress (ADC), or pursuing the registration of a new political vehicle called the African Democratic Assembly (ADA).
He clarified that the alliance is not a merger of political parties, but rather a movement of individuals committed to building a unified platform.
“We are there as individuals, not representatives of our current parties. Once a consensus platform is chosen, we will all decamp to that party with our supporters,” he explained.
The coalition’s efforts reflect mounting apprehension over the future of democratic participation and the credibility of electoral institutions under the current regime.
