PDP Meets ADC in Abuja as Opposition Scrambles to Unseat Tinubu in 2027

Nigeria’s opposition landscape is in upheaval after a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party held a high-level meeting with African Democratic Congress leaders in Abuja on Wednesday, as part of a political realignment aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

The closed-door meeting, held at former Senate President David Mark’s Apo residence, was led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and attended by a who’s who of opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and Aminu Tambuwal.

What Was Discussed

Sources at the meeting told The Punch that discussions centred on collaboration between the PDP and ADC, including power-sharing arrangements, choice of platform, and broader opposition strategy. Governor Makinde described it as “a show of solidarity” and a commitment to “a truly democratic space in our country,” but declined to confirm whether the parties had agreed to work together.

Wike’s Camp Fires Back

Not everyone in the PDP is on board. The Wike-backed faction, through the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee, immediately disowned the meeting. National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed stated: “The PDP firmly states that no such meeting was convened or authorised by the party. Any persons reported to have participated in such engagements did so purely in their individual capacities.”

ADC in Crisis

The ADC itself is deeply fractured, with at least three factions battling for control. Following a recent Court of Appeal ruling, the Wike camp has tightened its grip on the PDP, while INEC de-recognised the David Mark-led ADC on April 1. The party has effectively been removed from the electoral commission’s portal — a development the ADC leadership alleges was orchestrated by the ruling APC.

Meanwhile, the People’s Redemption Party has sent an open invitation to Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso and other coalition leaders to join their platform instead, further complicating an already messy opposition landscape.

With less than a year before the electoral window narrows, political analysts say time is running out for Nigeria’s opposition to present a credible unified front against the incumbent president.

Sources: Punch, Legit.ng, Daily Trust, BusinessDay, The Star