David Mark, the factional chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), convened a closed‑door meeting at his Abuja residence. Attendees included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and senior members of the Kabiru Turaki‑led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Also present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, NNPP presidential hopeful Rabiu Kwankwaso, ex‑Justice Minister Abubakar Malami, Sokoto South Senator Aminu Tambuwal and ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi.
The gathering followed a protest staged by Mark's ADC faction at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters over an internal party crisis. On the PDP side, Governor Makinde was joined by Kabiru Turaki, National Secretary Taofeeq Arapaja and spokesperson Ini Ememobong.
Sources said the opposition leaders are discussing ways to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. Details of the strategy remain undisclosed.
The most striking element is the convergence of former presidential contenders and senior opposition figures under one roof, signalling a possible coordinated front against the APC before the 2027 polls.
By bringing together Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and other heavyweight politicians, the meeting reflects a growing willingness among fragmented opposition camps to set aside past rivalries, especially after the G‑5 governors' split weakened the PDP in 2023. The presence of both ADC and PDP factions underscores a broader realignment driven by the recent ADC protest at INEC.
If a unified strategy emerges, it could reshape the electoral landscape for voters in swing states such as Oyo and Rivers, where former alliances determined outcomes in 2023. Ordinary Nigerians may see more cohesive opposition candidates, potentially offering alternatives to the Tinubu administration's policies.
This episode fits a pattern of opposition leaders seeking coalition‑building after repeated defeats, suggesting that Nigeria's political arena may be moving toward broader, cross‑party alliances in the run‑up to the next general election.
