A prominent civil society organization, the Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has strongly condemned the formation of a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a group of his long-time political associates.
In a statement released on Monday by Dr. AbdulRazak Ahmed, DWI’s Director of Strategic Communication, the group warned that the emergence of ADA threatens Nigeria’s fragile democratic process and risks deepening political divisions in an already polarized nation.
“We express our deep concern over this development, which we believe undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and threatens the political atmosphere that is already fraught with challenges,” the statement read.
The group criticized the Atiku-led coalition as a recycled bloc of political elites with a track record of unmet promises and questionable ethics. DWI asserted that the ADA is not a genuine attempt to strengthen the democratic space but rather a strategic maneuver to consolidate political power.
“Many Nigerians are still grappling with the consequences of past political decisions made by its leaders, which have often prioritized personal ambition over the welfare of the citizenry,” Ahmed said. “This initiative is doomed to fail.”
The statement named several key figures associated with the ADA, including former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, as well as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal — all of whom, according to DWI, face lingering allegations of corruption and ethical lapses.
“These individuals carry heavy political baggage that raises serious concerns about their motivations and their fitness for leadership,” Ahmed said, adding that their involvement compromises the credibility and unity of the newly proposed party.
DWI expressed concern that ADA, like many emerging parties in Nigeria, lacks a clear ideological identity or a coherent plan for national development. The group warned that adding another political party to Nigeria’s crowded and often chaotic political space could further fragment the electorate and derail meaningful political discourse.
Calling on citizens to remain vigilant and politically discerning, DWI urged Nigerians to reject what it described as “a political maneuvering that seeks to exploit our democratic processes for personal or factional gain.”
“We must embrace a political culture that prioritizes the collective good over individual ambitions,” the statement emphasized.
In conclusion, DWI reiterated its opposition to the All Democratic Alliance and encouraged Nigerians to support movements rooted in transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to democratic ideals.
“The future of our democracy depends on our collective ability to resist manipulation and demand better from our leaders,” Ahmed stated. “Together, let us reject division and work towards a more united, prosperous Nigeria.”