Key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Governor, convened on Wednesday with former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signalling a potential political realignment ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
Sources close to the discussions, who spoke anonymously, revealed that the closed-door meeting at Mark’s residence in Apo, Abuja, centred on strategic collaboration, terms of engagement, power-sharing arrangements, and the choice of a common platform to challenge the Bola Tinubu administration.
Speaking after the two-hour gathering, Gov Makinde described the meeting as “a show of solidarity” and emphasised a commitment to reinforcing democratic values in the country.
“We came here to visit the leadership of the ADC. We are on a solidarity visit… So, we came to show solidarity and to commit to a truly democratic space in our country,” Makinde said, declining further comment on potential alliance specifics.
The high-level delegation included prominent opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, factional PDP National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, and former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, and Peter Obi.
The meeting also featured key party officials, including PDP National Secretary Taofeeq Arapaja, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, and PDP counterpart Ini Ememobong.
Ememobong noted that the visit underscored the need for vigilance against pressures threatening democratic principles and political plurality, while a source confirmed that the parties discussed forming a joint platform to challenge President Tinubu in 2027.
However, the faction of the PDP aligned with Nyesom Wike dismissed reports of formal collaboration, stating through National Publicity Secretary Abdulrahman Mohammed that any such meeting did not represent the party’s official position.
The day also saw opposition leaders march to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding recognition of the David Mark-led ADC leadership and the resignation of INEC Chairman Prof. Joseph Amupitan. Protesters displayed placards urging the protection of democracy and accountability in electoral processes.
The PDP and ADC have been navigating internal leadership crises, rival factions, and ongoing court disputes, while INEC recently de-recognised the David Mark-led ADC pending judicial review.
Despite official denials from the Wike-aligned PDP bloc, insiders suggest the opposition leaders remain determined to coordinate efforts to ensure a credible alternative in 2027, with discussions on a common platform and strategic arrangements ongoing.
