A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde met with former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday in Abuja, amid speculation of a strategic realignment for the 2027 elections.
Sources close to the meeting, who requested anonymity, said discussions focused on collaboration between the PDP and ADC, including power-sharing arrangements, choice of platform, and broader opposition strategy aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu.
After the two-hour closed-door session at Mark’s residence in Apo, Abuja, Makinde described it as “a show of solidarity,” emphasizing the delegation’s commitment to defending democracy but declining to confirm any formal alliance.
The meeting reportedly included prominent opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, PDP factional National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, former Governors Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, Peter Obi, Babangida Aliyu, former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana, and PDP National Secretary Taofeeq Arapaja. ADC leaders present included National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi.
A PDP statement from the camp loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, issued by National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed, denied any formal agreement with the ADC. It described reports linking the party to an alliance as “misleading” and emphasized that the PDP is focused on internal preparations for its 2027 primaries.
Despite official denials, insiders indicated that the PDP-ADC meeting resolved to collaborate strategically to prevent what they described as the emergence of a “one-party state” under Tinubu. Discussions reportedly included monitoring developments in both parties, pending court cases, and the most suitable political platform for a united opposition.
“The leaders deliberated on the challenges facing opposition parties and resolved to work together to ensure a credible alternative for Nigeria,” one source said. Another added that conditions for collaboration would be shared publicly after further deliberations.
The development comes as the ADC grapples with its own leadership crisis. Following a recent Court of Appeal ruling, the Mark-led faction tightened control over the party, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) delisted Mark and Aregbesola from official records on April 1. The party has since splintered into three factions: one led by Mark, a second under Nafiu Gombe, and a third aligned with 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu, headed by Kingsley Ogga.
Earlier on Wednesday, opposition leaders including Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, and Kwankwaso staged a protest at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding formal recognition of the Mark-led National Working Committee and the resignation of INEC Chairman Prof. Joseph Amupitan. Demonstrators carried placards with slogans such as “Save Democracy,” “Let the Opposition Breathe,” and “Operation Defend Democracy.”
In a protest letter submitted to INEC, ADC leaders accused the commission of bias, claiming Amupitan had overstepped his constitutional authority by interpreting court judgments in ways that favoured certain factions. The letter demanded his resignation or removal and called for a formal apology and immediate withdrawal of all communications undermining the party.
Atiku described the protest as a peaceful effort to challenge perceived electoral partisanship and defend Nigeria’s democracy. Obi similarly urged citizens to safeguard democratic values and resist any drift toward a one-party system.
