Atiku, Mark, Lamido Lead Abuja Talks — PDP Elders Consider 2027 Coalition To Unseat Tinubu

Prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathered in Abuja on Monday for a high-level consultation meeting with former President Atiku Abubakar, signaling significant developments as the party navigates its strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections. The meeting, attended by top PDP figures from almost all six geopolitical zones, comes at a critical time as the party debates forming or joining a broader opposition coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Among those present were former Senate President David Mark, who presided over the session, former governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross Rivers), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), former PDP National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus, and other influential leaders within the party.
Sources familiar with the meeting revealed that the core discussion centered on whether the PDP should fully integrate its structures into a wider coalition or maintain its independence while forming strategic alliances for the 2027 elections. The outcome of this deliberation is expected to shape the opposition’s electoral approach and potentially redefine Nigeria’s political landscape.
This strategic consultation coincided with the commencement of the PDP’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. However, the NEC meeting has been marred by internal divisions, with some party factions challenging the legitimacy of the gathering.
Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Chairman (South), defended the NEC meeting’s validity, citing Section 31(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), which mandates adherence to the scheduled meeting date. He stated, “By virtue of Section 31(3) of the Constitution of the PDP, the Monday, June 30, 2025, date for the 100th NEC meeting is binding on all organs and members.”
In contrast, a faction loyal to Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, supported by former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and several sitting governors, has endorsed the return of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party’s National Secretary and pushed for the postponement of the NEC meeting. The tensions escalated on Monday when a heavy security presence was reported at the PDP secretariat, reportedly deployed to prevent an Expanded National Caucus meeting convened by opposing party elements.
Insiders say the NEC meeting aims to address pressing issues within the party, including preparations for the upcoming National Convention, in a bid to end the leadership crisis and reposition the PDP for electoral success in 2027.
As the PDP continues to grapple with internal challenges, the outcome of both the strategic consultation meeting and the NEC gathering will be pivotal in determining the party’s cohesion and effectiveness in the forthcoming elections.
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