Prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark, convened a closed-door meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday to strategize on forming a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027.
The meeting, chaired by David Mark, included key PDP stalwarts such as former National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus, ex-governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), and Senator Abdul Ningi, alongside former PDP National Women Leader Josephine Anenih, ex-National Organising Secretary Senator Austin Akobundu, former National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, and former National Youth Leader Abdullahi Maibasira.
The discussions focused on whether PDP leaders should fully integrate into the emerging coalition, reportedly considering the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform with David Mark as interim chairman, or remain within the PDP while forming an electoral alliance. Sources cement could be imminent, possibly as early as July 2, 2025, with the goal of unseating the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by Tinubu.
The talks reflect internal PDP tensions, particularly around Atiku Abubakar’s potential 2027 presidential candidacy—his seventh bid after unsuccessful runs in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
Opposition to Atiku’s candidacy stems from some party members, including a federal minister and a North East governor, who argue that the presidency should remain in the South until 2031 to honor Nigeria’s informal North-South power rotation agreement, given Tinubu’s southern origin. A source told newsmen, “It is increasingly clear that some factions are not comfortable with Atiku contesting again. Their fear is that he could win, which would mean a return to the North before the South completes its turn.” Despite this, Atiku remains determined, and the attendance of influential PDP figures suggests some may exit the party to join the coalition.
The PDP’s ongoing leadership crisis, marked by disputes over Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum’s decisions and the National Secretary position, complicates these efforts. On June 30, 2025, the PDP relocated its Board of Trustees meeting to the Yar’Adua Centre after police barred access to its Wadata Plaza headquarters, highlighting factional tensions.
Earlier, on May 16, 2025, Atiku disclosed that reform-minded individuals from the PDP, Labour Party (LP), and APC were forming a coalition, though the PDP and LP officially denied merger talks.
Posts on X from June 20, 2025, claimed Atiku and former APC governor Nasir El-Rufai applied to register a new party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), with INEC, though INEC’s stalled registration prompted the coalition to consider the ADC.
The meeting’s outcome could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape, potentially uniting PDP defectors with figures like Peter Obi (LP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP), though both LP and PDP have distanced themselves from formal mergers.
Analysts suggest the coalition’s success hinges on resolving internal PDP fractures and navigating regional power dynamics, as Atiku’s northern candidacy challenges the South’s expected tenure.
What You Should Know
- Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, and PDP leaders met at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on July 1, 2025, to discuss a 2027 coalition to challenge President Tinubu.
- The meeting debated whether PDP leaders should join the coalition, possibly under the ADC with Mark as interim chairman, or form an electoral pact while staying in the PDP.
- Internal PDP opposition to Atiku’s potential 2027 candidacy cites North-South power rotation, fearing a northern presidency before 2031.
- The PDP’s leadership crisis, including disputes over the National Secretary role and restricted access to its headquarters, complicates coalition efforts.
- A coalition announcement may occur soon, potentially involving PDP, LP, and APC reformists, though official party mergers have been denied.
