Top figures of Nigeria’s opposition bloc convened in Abuja on Wednesday for a high-level closed-door meeting, fuelling speculation of a potential political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A delegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki arrived at the venue at about 4:50 p.m. for a secret alliance meeting with key stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), multiple sources confirmed.
The meeting, held at the residence of former Senate President David Mark in the Apo Legislative Quarters, forms part of ongoing consultations aimed at forging a united opposition front capable of challenging the ruling party in the next electoral cycle.
While the PDP and ADC were the official hosts, the gathering drew an unprecedented array of political heavyweights from across the opposition spectrum.
Among those present were Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. Also at the meeting were former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.
Other notable attendees included PDP founding member Jerry Gana and former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, alongside members of the party’s National Working Committee.
The presence of Amaechi and Malami—both former allies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—raised eyebrows and suggested that the opposition’s reach may be extending beyond traditional party lines.
Although details of deliberations were not immediately available, insiders said discussions were centred on possible collaboration between the PDP and ADC as opposition leaders seek to consolidate strength and improve electoral competitiveness.
A source within the PDP delegation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the press, said the talks were “very productive” and focused on a shared framework for a single opposition candidate in 2027.
“The meeting was not about individual ambitions,” the source said. “It was about how to avoid splitting votes and how to present a common front. There is a growing realisation that no single opposition party can win alone.”
Neither David Mark nor any of the principal attendees addressed journalists after the meeting, which lasted several hours. However, a terse statement issued later by a spokesperson for the ADC confirmed “fruitful conversations” and said further engagements would be announced in due course.
Political analysts watching the development said the Abuja meeting signals the most serious opposition realignment effort since the 2023 elections.
The ruling party has yet to officially react to the news of the secret talks.
Discussion about this post