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The Labour Party (LP) and Action Democratic Party (ADP) have launched talks to forge a strategic alliance aimed at ending fragmented opposition votes and building a united front behind consensus candidates in upcoming elections.

The plan, which is to begin with the February 21, 2026 FCT Area Council elections and extend to the August 8, 2026 Osun governorship poll, will see both parties jointly mobilise voters, run coordinated campaigns and defend votes at polling units.

The initiative is being coordinated under a new platform, Ballot Alliance for Good Governance, following consultations in Abuja between LP Acting National Publicity Secretary, Prince Tony Akeni, and ADP National Youth Leader, Chinazam Ike.

Akeni said the model is designed to break the cycle in which opposition parties split votes and hand victory to dominant parties.

“This ‘Voters Ballot Alliance’ is a first in our democracy,” he said, pointing out that “Rather than weaken themselves through mergers that dilute identity, parties voluntarily rally behind the most accepted candidate and share responsibilities.”

Under the framework, participating parties will retain their symbols and structures but unite behind whichever candidate proves strongest in a given race.

“The goal is clear,” Akeni added. “Stop wasted votes, protect ballots, and ensure that the real winners, not imposed winners emerge.”

He argued that consistent adoption of the model could open political space, produce more accountable leaders and revive genuine multi-party democracy nationwide.

ADP’s Chinazam Ike said youths would be central to driving the alliance.

“Young people are the backbone of elections. If they key into this model, good governance, long delayed, can come faster than many expect,” he said.

He confirmed that the alliance will also be piloted in Ekiti after Osun and will convene a broader conference of parties next year to expand participation.

Significantly, the initiative is open to all parties, including the APC and PDP.

“If a ruling party candidate is truly delivering, such a candidate can be adopted,” Chinazam said. “Performance, not party label,  will determine support.”

The architects of the Ballot Alliance say their mission is simple: build coalitions strong enough to win  and govern better in the interest of citizens.