Atiku, David Mark, Other PDP Leaders Hold Strategic Closed-Door Meeting in Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark on Monday led a high-level, closed-door meeting of prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Abuja, amid growing calls for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, brought together key figures within the party, including former National Chairman Uche Secondus, ex-Governor of Jigawa State Sule Lamido, former Governor of Sokoto State Aminu Tambuwal, ex-Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke, and former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, among others.
Although details of the meeting remain officially undisclosed, sources familiar with the discussions revealed that the gathering focused on forming a broad-based coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle. Talks reportedly centered around adopting either the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the African Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a platform for the coalition, with David Mark tipped to serve as the interim chairman of the emerging alliance.
Insiders described the meeting as “strategic” and said it explored whether key opposition figures would remain within the PDP structure or reposition under a fresh political vehicle capable of uniting various opposition blocs.
This latest consultation comes as opposition parties consider realignments in response to the political dynamics under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. With speculation mounting about Tinubu’s possible re-election bid, the PDP is under pressure to resolve internal divisions and present a united front.
The meeting is also seen as a reaction to growing dissatisfaction within the PDP over zoning arrangements and leadership direction. While no official statement has been issued following the closed-door session, political analysts suggest that the outcomes of the meeting may shape the opposition’s roadmap in the months ahead.
A formal announcement on the coalition’s structure or leadership is expected in the coming days.
