A powerful gathering of Peoples Democratic Party stalwarts commenced closed-door consultations at Abuja’s Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Sunday, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido leading discussions about a potential coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
The high-level meeting, chaired by Mark, brought together a who’s who of PDP leadership including former party chairman Prince Uche Secondus, ex-Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi). Also present were Senator Ben Obi, former Women Leader Josephine Anenih, ex-Organising Secretary Senator Austin Akobundu, former Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, and erstwhile Youth Leader Abdullahi Maibasira.
According to The PUNCH, multiple sources confirmed the agenda centers on whether PDP leaders will fully merge with the newly formed African Democratic Congress coalition platform or maintain their party structure while entering an electoral alliance.
“This is a make-or-break session for opposition unity,” revealed a source familiar with the discussions. “The leadership must decide between complete integration into the ADC coalition or a tactical alliance that preserves PDP’s identity.”
The PUNCH had previously reported that the coalition has selected Senator Mark as interim chairman ahead of Wednesday’s official unveiling. The strategic meeting represents the most significant opposition regrouping since the 2023 elections.
Atiku, the PDP’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, and other attendees declined to speak with journalists upon arrival, maintaining strict secrecy around the deliberations expected to shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
