A bloc within the Peoples Democratic Party aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the African Democratic Congress as part of ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
The closed-door meeting, held at David Mark’s residence in Apo, Abuja, is believed to be part of wider consultations among opposition figures seeking to build a united front against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the meeting focused on possible collaboration between the PDP and ADC, including the choice of political platform, terms of engagement, and possible power-sharing arrangements.
Speaking briefly after the meeting, Makinde described the visit as “a show of solidarity,” saying the gathering was aimed at reaffirming support for democratic values and political plurality in Nigeria.
He said, “We came here to visit the leadership of the ADC. We are on a solidarity visit. We have seen what has been happening within the political space, including the protest today. So, we came to show solidarity and to commit to a truly democratic space in our country.”
Makinde, however, declined to confirm whether the parties had reached a formal agreement to work together.
Those present at the meeting included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana, PDP National Secretary Taofeeq Arapaja, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, and PDP spokesperson Ini Ememobong.
Insiders said the gathering was part of an expanded stakeholders’ consultation involving major opposition figures concerned about what they described as growing pressure on opposition parties and democratic institutions.
According to the sources, the leaders agreed in principle to continue working together toward building a credible opposition coalition capable of challenging Tinubu and the APC in 2027.
They were also said to have discussed whether the coalition would eventually contest under the PDP, ADC, or another political platform, depending on the outcome of ongoing legal and administrative issues affecting both parties.
One source said the leaders resolved to strategise together on all fronts to prevent what they fear could become a one-party political system in the country.
Despite the meeting, a faction of the PDP associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, denied that the party was involved in any alliance talks with the ADC.
In a statement issued by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee, the faction said the PDP had not authorised any meeting with the ADC and insisted that any individuals involved acted in their personal capacities.
The statement urged party members and the public to disregard claims suggesting the PDP had officially entered into any political alliance. It also said the party remained focused on its internal processes, including preparations for future party primaries.
Earlier on Wednesday, leaders of the ADC and other opposition figures staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, demanding formal recognition of the David Mark-led National Working Committee of the party and calling for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joseph Amupitan.
Hundreds of supporters joined the march, carrying placards with messages defending democracy, opposing perceived political intimidation, and demanding recognition of the ADC leadership.
In a protest letter submitted to INEC, ADC leaders accused the electoral commission of interfering in the internal affairs of the party and warned that failure to address their concerns could lead to court action and nationwide civic mobilisation.
The ADC has been battling a prolonged internal leadership crisis since 2025 following the emergence of a new leadership structure under Mark. The dispute has since triggered multiple legal battles and factional divisions within the party, with competing camps laying claim to its leadership.
Recent developments have further deepened the crisis, with the party now split into multiple factions, including blocs aligned with Mark, Nafiu Gombe, and Dumebi Kachikwu.
Despite the internal disputes, leaders of the coalition bloc insist they remain committed to defending democratic values and building a viable alternative political movement ahead of the 2027 election.
Addressing supporters after the protest, opposition leaders said they would resist any attempt to weaken political plurality in Nigeria.
Atiku said the protest was aimed at challenging what he described as growing partisanship within the electoral system and preventing authoritarian tendencies, while Obi urged Nigerians to rise in defence of democracy, warning against any drift toward a one-party state.
The latest developments suggest that consultations among opposition leaders are intensifying, with coalition talks expected to continue in the coming days as the political landscape ahead of the 2027 election begins to take shape.
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