The All Progressives Congress (APC) has ridiculed the newly announced opposition alliance spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, dismissing the effort as a “desperate scramble for political relevance.”
Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH, APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, dismissed the proposed political party All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a “gathering of strange bedfellows,” driven by self-interest rather than any credible national vision.
“This so-called coalition is just a reunion of habitual party defectors,” Arodiogbu said. “Nigerians can see they’re merely regrouping after being rejected at the polls.
The coalition, which includes other prominent figures such as former Senate President David Mark, has reportedly submitted an application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking registration of ADA as a political party. Chief Akin A. Rickets and Abdullahi Elayo signed the application as the Protem National Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
However, the APC remains unimpressed. “it’s nothing but recycled politicians with no new ideas,” Arodiogbu continued. “It’s a vehicle for Atiku’s unrelenting presidential ambition. Nigerians aren’t buying it.”
Responding to reports that Atiku is yet to fully commit to the ADA, Arodiogbu claimed the former vice president is hedging his bets, wary of being sidelined within the new group.
“Atiku is playing it safe. He’s still holding on to the PDP, which has better national reach. He doesn’t trust El-Rufai or Amaechi enough to go all in.”
He also took aim at other key coalition members “El-Rufai is remembered more for divisiveness than unity. Amaechi is the definition of political opportunism. These aren’t the leaders Nigerians are waiting for.”
Arodiogbu scoffed at the idea that the ADA could pose a real challenge to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
“Thinking they can unseat Tinubu is not just naïve it’s insulting to Nigerians. The President inherited a broken system. The reforms underway, though tough, are necessary and long overdue.”
On rumors that Labour Party’s Peter Obi might be considering joining the coalition, Arodiogbu was dismissive.
“Obi isn’t leaving Labour. Like Atiku, he’s sitting on the fence. These politicians aren’t agents of change they’re just dodging real competition.”
He concluded by branding the ADA as a hollow political venture capitalizing on public dissatisfaction.
“They’re exploiting economic pain but offering no real solutions. No ideology, no vision, no originality. It’s the same old story in new packaging and Nigerians won’t be fooled.”
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