By Nsikakabasi Akpan
In a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark, met behind closed doors in Abuja on Monday to deliberate on forging a formidable coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, the high-level meeting brought together political heavyweights such as former Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi). Also in attendance were former PDP National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus and several other former national officers of the party.
Reliable sources disclosed that the strategic session, chaired by David Mark, examined two key options: whether to fully merge with a proposed coalition party or to maintain PDP’s identity while entering a formal alliance. The latter scenario could mirror historical precedent, where opposition blocs unite behind a single platform to confront the incumbent party.
Indications suggest that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may serve as the adopted vehicle for the coalition, with Senator Mark tipped to assume interim leadership. The official unveiling of this coalition is slated for Wednesday, signalling a new phase of political realignment in Nigeria’s opposition space.
Other notable attendees included Senator Ben Obi, former PDP Women Leader Josephine Anenih, former National Organising Secretary Senator Austin Akobundu, former Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, and former National Youth Leader Abdullahi Maibasira.
Political analysts interpret this convergence of opposition stalwarts as a calculated move to consolidate strength and re-energize the PDP’s national outlook, especially as public dissatisfaction with the APC-led federal government grows. The coalition talks, if successful, could significantly reshape the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race.
This latest meeting marks a continuation of mounting efforts by opposition leaders to chart a unified course that could disrupt APC’s hold on power and redefine Nigeria’s political future.
