News Investigators/ The Convener of the League of Northern Democrats and key promoter of the All-Democratic Alliance (ADA), Umar Ardo, has said that the coalition to remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office was not driven by regional interests, but the concerns over Nigeria’s future.
Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Mr. Ardo said growing opposition to the Tinubu administration reflects nationwide dissatisfaction with current economic and governance policies. “Removing President Tinubu isn’t a Northern agenda but a move to save Nigeria,” he said.
Mr. Ardo, a former special adviser to Vice President Atiku Abubakar, criticised what he described as insensitive government reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, newly introduced tax policies, and the award of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road project.
According to him, these policies have worsened the economic burden on citizens and raised serious questions about transparency and due process. He noted that Nigerians across all regions are feeling the impact and are demanding alternative approaches that prioritise welfare, accountability, and inclusive growth.
He stated that the ADA, if given the mandate, would reverse some of the controversial reforms. “ADA will reverse the fuel subsidy removal and the newly implemented tax reforms,” Ardo said, adding that the party’s focus would be on easing economic pressure while promoting sustainable development.
On the party’s registration process, Ardo explained that ADA’s move followed internal consultations and formal submissions. “I was asked to put in a memo on the issue, and when they read it, they agreed we should proceed with registration,” he said, noting that the group also explored the option of aligning with an existing political party while pursuing registration.
Mr. Ado, who was recently involved in N485million property forfeiture to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), attributed delays in the registration process to changes within the electoral commission, arguing that circumstances, rather than procedure, stalled progress.
“If Professor Mahmoud had remained until December 8, we would have completed the registration process,” he said, adding, “It was not about personality; it was about perspective and how the process was handled,” he said.
Mr. Ardo further alleged that the new leadership of the commission initially resisted registering new political parties. “He refused on the first day to register any party,” he claimed, stating that sustained public pressure later forced a shift. “It was after we applied pressure and criticised the commission that they quietly began to announce registrations,” he added.
Expressing concern about Nigeria’s democratic process, Mr. Ardo criticised what he called inconsistencies in the electoral system. “Parties struggle to get registered, elections are conducted, and courts end up determining outcomes and issuing certificates,” he said. “This is not democracy; this is madness.”
He maintained that the political association ADA complied fully with constitutional and legal requirements. “We abided by every provision of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and regulatory guidelines,” he said, noting that the matter is now before the courts. “We have put everything before the courts—every requirement of the law, the Constitution, and the guidelines.”
He also rejected claims that ADA is a northern political platform, stressing its national character. “Every state in Nigeria was represented in the formation of ADA,” Ardo said. “It is wrong to describe it as a northern political party; it is a pan-Nigerian political platform.”
On ADA’s chances in the 2027 general elections, Ardo said the outcome depends on the pace of judicial proceedings. “It depends on whether the court delivers judgment in good time; if it does, certainly we will be on the ballot,” he said.
He also referenced provisions of the Electoral Act supporting the party’s position and commented on the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 by the National Assembly. According to him, debates around electronic transmission of results have heightened the urgency of reforms. “The uproar over electronic transmission of results is part of what is driving these discussions,” Ardo said, stressing the need for reforms that strengthen electoral credibility and public trust.
Push To Remove Tinubu Is About Saving Nigeria, Not Northern Agenda -Umar Ardo
