Politics

El-Rufai: Why Coalition May Register New Party as Contingency to ADC

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 3rd, 2025.

El-Rufai: Why Coalition May Register New Party as Contingency to ADC

Nasir El-Rufai, a senior figure in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and prominent member of the emerging opposition coalition, has revealed that plans are underway to register a new political party as a precautionary measure in case of internal disruptions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking in an interview with Radio France International (RFI) Hausa Service on Wednesday night, the former Kaduna State governor explained that the move is a strategic response to possible interference from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he warned may attempt to destabilize the ADC by sowing discord between its founding members and the coalition leadership.

The ADC was officially adopted as the coalition’s platform earlier this week, but El-Rufai emphasized that the alliance remains flexible and may shift to a newly registered party if the need arises.

> “This coalition is currently operating through the ADC, but we are also considering the registration of a fresh party, should the government manipulate the situation to trigger internal conflicts,” El-Rufai said.

He also accused the APC-led government of using state institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to pressure politicians who decline to align with the ruling party.

> “Those who reject overtures to join the APC often find themselves targeted by anti-graft agencies. It’s part of a broader strategy to weaken the opposition,” he added.

El-Rufai’s comments highlight growing concerns within opposition ranks about political intimidation and the long-term viability of the ADC as a stable platform amid rising tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.