Atiku, David Mark, Tambuwal and PDP bigwigs meet in Abuja as political realignment looms

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other senior figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a high-level strategy meeting in Abuja today, as opposition leaders intensify efforts to build a unified political front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among those in attendance are David Mark, former President of the Senate; Sule Lamido, former Governor of Jigawa; Uche Secondus, ex-PDP National Chairman; Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger; Sam Egwu, ex-Governor of Ebonyi; Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto; and Liyel Imoke, former Governor of Cross River.

The meeting was said to have focused on shaping the party’s strategy ahead of a broader coalition summit scheduled for Wednesday. 

Since the start of 2025, opposition leaders have been engaged in a series of consultations aimed at forging a common political alliance strong enough to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.

Key players in the emerging coalition include Atiku Abubakar; Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate; Nasir el-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna; and Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Minister of Transportation. In May, it was reported that opposition parties had agreed to use the ADC as a political platform for the 2027 elections.

Last month, Sule Lamido declared his willingness to support any initiative designed to unseat President Bola Tinubu, indicating growing momentum among opposition ranks.

Speculation also emerged over the weekend suggesting that David Mark had been named interim national chairman of the ADC. While not confirmed, the report has fuelled further expectations of a realignment of opposition forces. Ralph Nwosu, the ADC’s founder and national chairman, confirmed the party is undergoing a transition and noted that Mark has the capacity to provide leadership in the evolving landscape.

The series of engagements and alignment talks signal a renewed attempt by Nigeria’s opposition bloc to overcome internal fragmentation, a key factor that contributed to their defeat in the 2023 general elections.