The All Democratic Alliance has thrown its weight behind the National Democratic Congress as “the only viable alternative platform” for Nigerians disillusioned with both the ruling party and the crisis-ridden PDP.
The position comes as ADA publicly distanced itself from comments made by its National Secretary, Umar Ardo, who had questioned INEC’s registration of the NDC.
In a statement issued Monday and signed by National Publicity Secretary Leye Igbabo, ADA said Ardo’s remarks were made in his personal capacity and do not reflect the party’s official stance.
“The National Working Committee of ADA wishes to state categorically that Ardo spoke in his personal capacity. His views, though strongly held, do not represent the official position of the ADA as a party,” the statement read.
ADA acknowledged the NDC as a legitimate political platform and warned against actions that could weaken opposition unity ahead of 2027.
“For now, ADA has not been fully registered. As democrats, we cannot be seen to be pulling down the only standing opposition house while we are still building our own,” Igbabo said.
The party stressed that the 2027 elections are too important for opposition groups to be at odds. It reaffirmed its plan to pursue registration through lawful channels without delegitimising other parties.
ADA extended goodwill to the NDC and expressed hope for future collaboration after 2027, when more platforms including ADA hope to be on the ballot.
“We therefore wish to assure the NDC that our party bears it no ill will. We look forward to robust opposition collaboration post-2027,” the statement said.
It added pointedly: “The enemy of Nigeria’s democracy is not NDC. The enemy is one-party rule.”
Ardo had earlier raised concerns over the process and transparency of INEC’s registration of the NDC, arguing it could distort the level playing field for other emerging parties like ADA.
ADA’s leadership now appears to be taking a conciliatory approach, focusing on strengthening opposition politics rather than fracturing it.
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