A newly formed opposition coalition, the All-Democratic Alliance (ADA), has drawn significant skepticism and criticism from various political figures, including former Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. The coalition, reportedly led by figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Nasir el-Rufai, aims to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. However, critics widely dismiss its current leadership and structure as inadequate and unlikely to offer a genuine alternative.

Dr. Baba-Ahmed, speaking from the sidelines as an observer, has consistently expressed concern that the ADA is being "messed up" by leaders who insist on being the public face of the opposition. He argued that the individuals spearheading the coalition, many of whom have previously served as vice-presidents, governors, or ministers and even contested for president multiple times, represent "the same old political actors." Baba-Ahmed stressed that Nigerians need a "generational and ideological shift" and are unlikely to trust recycled faces to bring about meaningful change. He believes these leaders are driven more by personal ambition than by a sincere desire for national transformation, accusing them of putting themselves forward instead of working behind the scenes to support a new generation of leaders with fresh ideas and public trust.

According to Baba-Ahmed, the coalition's approach is fundamentally flawed. He described it as a gathering of a few politicians who hope to reach an understanding among themselves, then present their pre-determined arrangements to Nigerians. He asserted that this is the "wrong way about it," and these figures should not be leading or determining the coalition's composition. He warned that unless the opposition presents a clear, people-centered agenda with credible new leadership, they risk inadvertently helping the APC retain power in 2027, effectively "handing over 2027 to President Tinubu." He also cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against favoring the registration of the new party based solely on the political status of its sponsors, noting the tough conditions for party registration and numerous pending applications.

Similar criticisms have been echoed by other prominent figures. Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Dr. Eddy Olafeso, former National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the PDP, both dismissed the ADA as a "poorly structured and unrealistic move." George labeled the ADA formation a "dangerous joke," alleging that its proponents prioritize personal ambition over national interest. He expressed disappointment with Atiku Abubakar, citing his repeated bids for power as eroding public trust, and criticized party elders like David Mark and Iyorchia Ayu for supporting the coalition instead of focusing on rebuilding the PDP. George also warned that the coalition carries an "ethnic bias" that could worsen Nigeria's fragile unity.

Dr. Olafeso concurred, calling the coalition a "misguided effort" that misunderstands the strength of Tinubu's successful 2015 APC merger model. He highlighted that the APC merger took years of planning with stable, well-organized political structures, contrasting it with the ADA, which he described as a "hurried scramble by politicians who destroyed their parties and now want to reinvent themselves." While acknowledging that no single opposition party can defeat Tinubu in 2027, Olafeso insisted that a disorganized alliance like ADA would also fail, making it an "easy ride to a second term" for Tinubu.

Despite the widespread skepticism, a pro-Peter Obi group, People’s Organic Movement (POM), has applied to join the coalition. In a letter dated June 22, 2025, signed by its National Chairman, Eliashib Ime-James, the group expressed its desire to join because it "shares the same values, vision and objectives" for Nigeria’s growth, though the extent of its ties to Peter Obi remains undetermined.

Baba-Ahmed also addressed the claim that the coalition is a typical northern gang-up when a southerner is president. He dismissed this, explaining that similar alliances in the past involved both the North and the South. He cited the formation of the APC in 2011/2012, which included then-Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader Bola Tinubu from the South, as an example of historical cross-regional coalitions. He maintained that there are southerners involved in the current coalition discussions, such as Governor Amaechi and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, further refuting the ethnic bias claim.

Ultimately, the prevailing sentiment among critics is that the All-Democratic Alliance, as currently constituted, lacks the moral and political credibility to inspire Nigerians. Its leadership is accused of being out of touch, failing to engage with critical issues affecting citizens, and prioritizing self-promotion over a genuine, people-centered agenda for change. Internal divisions among its promoters have also been alleged, contributing to the perception that the opportunity to create a strong opposition is being squandered.