Fractured opposition took a significant step towards unity on Wednesday when the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party held a high-stakes closed-door meeting with the African Democratic Congress, bringing together some of the country’s most powerful political figures in what analysts are reading as early positioning against the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
The PDP delegation, led by Turaki, arrived at Senator David Mark’s residence in Apo Legislative Quarters at around 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday, with a source close to the party describing the visit as part of efforts to forge an alliance with the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A Room Full of Former Power
Among those present at the ADC side were the party’s National Chairman Senator David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi. Also in attendance were former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Senator Aminu Tambuwal.
On the PDP side, attendees included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, PDP founding member and former Information Minister Professor Jerry Gana, and former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, alongside other members of the PDP’s National Working Committee.
“Solidarity” — and Something More
Governor Makinde, speaking to journalists after the meeting, framed the gathering in terms of democratic solidarity.
“We came here to visit the leadership of ADC. We are on a solidarity visit and we have seen what has been happening within the political space — the court and protest — so we came to show solidarity and to commit to a clean democratic space in our country,” he said.
Turaki went further in a statement, underscoring the gravity of the moment for Nigeria’s opposition.
He wrote: “Yesterday, I had the honour of leading a delegation of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, on a solidarity visit to the African Democratic Congress. It was more than just a formal engagement — it was a moment of reflection, shared concern, and a reaffirmation of our collective duty to protect Nigeria’s democracy. As we sat across from respected leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and other ADC leaders, there was a clear and sobering understanding: the challenges facing opposition parties in Nigeria today are real, shared, and demand unity of purpose.”
“About Survival” — Source
A source familiar with the proceedings told Sahara Reporters: “The meeting is about survival. Both parties realise that if they remain fragmented, INEC and the ruling party will pick them apart one by one before 2027.”
The gathering took place just hours after the ADC had staged a protest at the headquarters of INEC in Abuja — the same day the electoral commission de-recognised the David Mark-led National Working Committee from its official portal, citing a Court of Appeal order. (The Whistler)
Wike Camp Disowns Meeting
The show of unity, however, exposed the widening crack within the PDP itself. A rival PDP faction aligned with Nyesom Wike rejected the meeting, with the party’s National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed stating that the engagement was conducted without the party’s approval and that individuals who attended did so in their personal capacities. He urged the public to disregard any claims linking the PDP institutionally to the meeting.
Notably, INEC recognises only the Wike-backed faction of the PDP as the legitimate party leadership, adding a layer of legal complexity to any formal cross-party arrangements that may emerge from Wednesday’s parley. (Linda Ikeji’s Blog)
Counter-Protest Adds to the Drama
The day also saw a separate protest in Abuja led by the rival ADC faction under Nafiu Bala, who marched with supporters carrying placards reading “Woe to Political Marauders,” accusing the opposition figures of attempting to hijack the party.
Despite the turbulence, Wednesday’s meeting is expected to deepen consultations among a broad opposition coalition that, if it holds together, would represent one of the most formidable anti-APC alignments Nigeria has seen since the 2015 elections that ousted former President Goodluck Jonathan.
