The unveiling of the proposed logo of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a new political party led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sparked reactions across Nigeria’s social media space.
TheNewsGuru reports that the politicial party recently submitted its registration application to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and revealed its emblem to the public.
The flag prominently features an image of a half-unwrapped corn (maize), which is intended to symbolize agricultural abundance and grassroots empowerment.
However, the logo has drawn comparisons to President Bola Tinubu’s controversial comments about corn, which have been mockingly referred to by Nigerians as the “agbado” narrative.
The ADA’s official application to INEC was dated June 19, 2025, and was acknowledged by the Commission the following day.
The application was co-signed by Chief Akin Ricketts, serving as Protem National Chairman, and Abdullahi Elayo, serving as Protem National Secretary.
“We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), as a political party,” the letter read.
“This is sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.”
The ADA’s slogan is Justice for All, and the party claims its ideology is rooted in democratic inclusion, transparency, and economic restructuring.
“We have further attached our manifesto, encapsulating details of our party ideology, and our constitution… in alignment with Sections 40 and 222 of the Constitution, Section 75 of the Electoral Act (2022) and global democratic principles,” the letter stated.
However, rather than sparking excitement amongst Nigerians, the party’s logo quickly became the subject of online mockery. The depiction of maize—a staple often referenced in President Tinubu’s speeches—reminded Nigerians of controversial statements he made in 2021 and 2022.
At the 12th Colloquium in his honour in Kano in 2021, Tinubu had said, “Recruit 50 million youths into the army. What they will eat—cassava, corn, yam—will grow here.”
Then, during a campaign stop in Ebonyi State in 2022, he joked, “They could not even make a down payment for a roasted corn.”
Those statements earned the now-president the nickname ‘Agbado General’ among online satirists.
“This ADA logo looks like an agbado campaign remix,” tweeted user Deji. “Did they run out of symbols or is this just a tribute to Tinubu’s corn dynasty?”
Another user, Chioma Codes, wrote, “First the broom, now corn? When will Nigerian politicians start symbolizing ideas instead of food?”
Some took a more critical tone, accusing the coalition of lacking creativity and foresight. “You want to present a real alternative and your logo is half-unwrapped corn? You’re already echoing the worst of APC branding,” tweeted an activist simply identified as Ahmed.
Others, however, defended the symbolism. “Corn feeds millions. It’s a grassroots crop. Maybe that’s what they’re aiming at,” argued Dr. Angela Onuoha, a political science lecturer. “But optics matter. In politics, perception can override intention.”
“Symbolism is power,” said Ikenna Ugochukwu, a Lagos-based PR consultant, in a social media post. “A logo should tell a story of hope and difference. But if your story looks like a sequel to a failed script, voters might not take you seriously.”
INEC has not officially responded to the registration application whether it will accept it especially when the new party spelt the commission’s name wrongly.
According to Section 75 of the Electoral Act, the Commission has 30 days to notify applicants of its decision.