By John Umeh
Fresh tensions have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following reports of a political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections involving Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and key figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Sources revealed that Makinde and several opposition leaders met on Wednesday in Abuja with former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola to explore possible collaboration aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The closed-door meeting, held at Mark’s residence in Apo, reportedly focused on forming a united opposition front, possible platforms, and power-sharing arrangements.
Insiders familiar with the discussions said the meeting formed part of wider consultations among opposition leaders seeking to build a credible alternative ahead of the next presidential election. They noted that discussions also addressed internal challenges within opposition parties and strategies to strengthen democratic competition.
However, the faction of the PDP aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, swiftly distanced the party from the reported alliance. In a statement issued by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the group denied any official involvement in talks with the ADC.
The statement insisted that the PDP had not authorised any meeting or negotiation with the ADC, adding that individuals who attended such discussions did so in their personal capacities.
“The PDP categorically states that it has not held any meeting, formal or informal, with the African Democratic Congress,” the statement read. “Any persons reported to have participated in such engagements cannot be deemed to represent the party.”
Speaking after the meeting, Makinde described the gathering as a solidarity visit, emphasising the need to protect democratic values and maintain a competitive political environment. He, however, declined to confirm whether a formal alliance had been reached.
Participants at the meeting reportedly included prominent opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Aminu Tambuwal, and Peter Obi, among others.
Sources indicated that while no final agreement was reached, the leaders agreed in principle to continue consultations and possibly work together on a common platform for the 2027 elections. The choice of platform, they said, would depend on ongoing legal battles and internal developments within the PDP and ADC.
Meanwhile, the political developments come amid growing instability within both parties. The PDP has been grappling with factional disputes following court rulings that strengthened Wike’s influence, while the ADC remains embroiled in leadership battles involving multiple factions.
Earlier on Wednesday, opposition leaders and supporters also staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, demanding recognition of the David Mark-led ADC leadership and accusing the electoral body of bias.
Despite the growing calls for opposition unity, the Wike-backed PDP faction maintained that the party remains focused on its internal processes and preparations for upcoming primaries, stressing its commitment to providing credible leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
