Key figures within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark, have issued a rallying call to Nigerians and opposition forces to unite in a broad-based coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The call came after a closed-door strategy meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, where party veterans and stakeholders gathered to address what they described as the PDP’s internal challenges and the declining state of governance under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.
In a communiqué released after the meeting, the group urged PDP members, civil society, and concerned Nigerians to come together in a national coalition committed to democratic values, economic recovery, national unity, security, and a renewed anti-corruption drive.
“We must forge a coalition that reflects both national and local realities, to restore hope and rebuild our democracy,” the statement read.
The leaders expressed concern over the PDP’s steady decline since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election and the subsequent resignation of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman. According to the communiqué, the party has been hamstrung by internal divisions, constitutional violations, and a lack of strategic direction—factors that have weakened its influence and emboldened the ruling party.
The group also accused the Tinubu administration of weaponizing state institutions to intimidate the opposition, alleging that numerous PDP members and elected officials had defected due to “pressure, threats, and political patronage.”
They painted a grim picture of the country’s current state, citing worsening economic hardship, heightened insecurity, and a collapse in public trust as indicators of the administration’s failure.
“The APC-led government has failed the Nigerian people. Urgent action is required to restore credibility and effective leadership,” they declared.
Prominent Attendees:
• Atiku Abubakar (Former Vice President)
• David Mark (Former Senate President)
• Sule Lamido (Ex-Governor, Jigawa)
• Uche Secondus (Former PDP National Chairman)
• Babangida Aliyu (Ex-Governor, Niger)
• Sam Egwu (Ex-Governor, Ebonyi)
• Aminu Tambuwal (Ex-Governor, Sokoto)
• Liyel Imoke (Ex-Governor, Cross River)
Tuesday’s meeting adds to a growing list of opposition consultations ahead of the 2027 elections. Cross-party figures such as Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna governor, and Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Rivers governor, are reportedly engaging in talks to form a unified political platform.
Sources close to the meeting say coalition plans are already underway to float a common opposition front capable of challenging the APC’s grip on power in 2027. While the structure and leadership of the alliance remain under discussion, momentum appears to be building toward a major realignment of Nigeria’s political landscape.
The communiqué ended with a call to “rebuild, reimagine, and reclaim” Nigeria’s democracy.
