Report: How Amaechi Committee Settled For ADA, Cites Secret To Defeat Tinubu

A five-page report of the Coalition Sub-Committee of the National Coalition obtained by THE WHISTLER insisted on the establishment of a new political party as the best strategy to defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The coalition settled for the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) after it adopted the report and recommendation of its subcommittee.

With the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) enmeshed in schism that has remained intractable, and the Labour Party torn about by leadership tussle, top contestants with eyes for the presidency began to scout for a new political fellowship to realize their ambition.

Although with more than a year to party primaries, the defection of the former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufai from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) jolted the opposition to life.

The SDP was touted as the new political frontier where all the coalition movers would join to adopt a candidate. It soon ran into troubles with accusations that it was Tinubu’s party and had long been bedridden despite being one of the legacy political parties in the country.

The coalition courted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and all eyes moved in that direction. But that too floundered as reports of a crisis with the established leadership emerged.

After a series of meetings, the National Coalition set up a subcommittee headed by one of the national leaders of the APC, Rotimi Amaechi, who twice served as transport minister in the APC-led government. Umar Ardo, convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND) served as its secretary.

Committee Recommendation: Tinubu is beatable
In their recommendation, which has sparked the coalition, which includes former Senate President, David Mark, Peter Obi, who was Atiku’s running mate in 2019, and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, who was also twice interior minister in the APC-led government, back to life, the subcommittee said a new political party would serve as the best vehicle to defeat Tinubu.

The document, which was signed by Amaechi was titled, ‘Report of the Sub-committee on the formation of a new Political Party for 2027 Elections’, read:

“The Sub-committee met, discussed extensively on the subject matter and arrived at two resolutions. First, it formulated its arguments justifying the registration of a new political party as the best approach in successfully defeating the incumbent.

“Second, it recommends and provides a name, logo, manifesto and constitution of the new party.

“A. Justification and Strategic Advantages of Registering a New Political Party:

“Advantages: Institutional Innovation: Establishing a new party allows the creation of fresh political structures, ideology and internal democracy not weighed down by past failures or entrenched interests;

“Strategic Unity: A new party serves as a common platform with a unified all opposition groups around a new vision and purpose, thus overcoming fragmentation and distrust among the diverse opposition groups;

“Public Perception of Authentic Change: Nigerians are more likely to support a new, purpose-driven party that symbolizes a clean break from old brands.

“Moral High Ground: Attempting registration tests democratic institutions. If blocked (which is highly unlikely if a public approach is taken), it exposes government and INEC bias, thereby rallying public sympathy and international support;

“Legal and Political Leverage: Denial of registration offers grounds for judicial redress (e.g., writ of mandamus), strengthening the opposition’s case for electoral reforms; Confusion and Weakening of Incumbents: The exodus of credible opposition leaders to a new platform would destabilize existing parties (PDP, APC, NNPP, LP), creating internal turmoil,” the subcommittee explained.

The committee further recommended, “Mobilization Power: A new party can be built with broad coalitions of all critical opposition stakeholders from inception, avoiding legacy baggage and appealing to youth, independents and disenfranchised Nigerians.”

The committee argued that it can control narrative and craft a new image to market it to Nigerians as a new beginning.

“Narrative Control: A newly formed party can craft and own its political narrative and brand identity from scratch, unlike co-opting an existing one with historical liabilities; Symbolic Rebirth of Democracy;

“Represents democratic renewal and reawakening, offering a psychologically powerful alternative to politics-as-usual;

“Testing Democratic Integrity: The process of registration challenges the fairness of INEC and promotes accountability and transparency in the system early enough before elections,” the committee said.

Strategic Reasons for registering new party

The committee in its recommendation further argued that “registering a new political party is not just a tactical maneuver – it is a bold strategic act that redefines the opposition’s purpose, unites diverse stakeholders, mobilizes public sentiment, creates an authentic alternative to entrenched political forces and spontaneously galvanizes popular momentum.”

It defined the approach as “the clearest path to inspiring hope, energizing voters and transforming Nigeria’s democratic future.”

While justifying ADA as the path to Tinubu’s defeat in 2027, it said the party when registered will “be envisioned not merely as a political party but as a national renaissance movement, deeply rooted in democratic idealism, justice, and visionary leadership; and ADA offers a credible, people-centered alternative to existing political formations, aiming to unify all or most of the nation’s opposition groups and individuals and re-establish trust and common purpose amongst themselves.”

It explained that it’s a strategic timing and offers a political opportunity at a time there’s a “rising public disillusionment with both ruling and opposition parties” which “has created a political vacuum.”

It said “ADA is uniquely positioned to capture the aspirations of patriotic elites, youths, professionals, and disenchanted voters, offer a real alternative to the current political decay” and channel the growing demand for national healing and competent leadership.”

It also said the party’s guiding philosophy and ethical compass would be anchored on “moral clarity, drawing inspiration from the enduring symbolism of a Tree.”

While it recommended the logo, manifesto and constitution to represent the symbolic power of the party, it said its vision, mission and core objectives outlined the ideological principles and values on which the party stands.

It recommended the motto of the party as “Justice for All’.

It encouraged the national committee to adopt the recommendation arguing that ADA “is not just viable — it is imperative for Nigeria’s survival and renewal.

“Its founding principles, structure and vision reflect a strategic, moral and political readiness to contest and win the 2027 general elections,” it added.

According to the committee, the National Committee should immediately, “Authorise national rollout and public mobilization in preparation for full participation in the 2027 elections,” for its victory in 2027.

Report: How Amaechi Committee Settled For ADA, Cites Secret To Defeat Tinubu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper