Prominent leaders within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and other influential figures, are holding private meetings in Abuja. These closed-door discussions may lead to a major shift in the country’s political scene ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting is taking place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, with several senior PDP figures in attendance. The focus of the gathering is to explore the possibility of building a strong coalition that could challenge President Bola Tinubu’s likely attempt to retain power in 2027.
Sources familiar with the talks say this move could change the balance of power, especially within the opposition.
David Mark chaired the meeting, which saw the presence of several key PDP stakeholders.
These included former party chairman Prince Uche Secondus, ex-governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), and Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), along with Senator Abdul Ningi.
Also present were Josephine Anenih, former PDP National Women Leader, Senator Austin Akobundu, ex-National Organising Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, former spokesperson for the party, and Abdullahi Maibasira, ex-National Youth Leader.
According to insiders, the talks are centered on whether to remain in the PDP or to work within a larger alliance aimed at taking on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “Several members of the PDP are already in dialogue with key figures in the coalition. A formal announcement could come as early as tomorrow,” a source told Vanguard.
The meeting comes as internal disagreements over Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 ambitions continue to grow. Some party leaders are not in support of his return as the presidential flag bearer, arguing that the presidency should stay in the southern part of the country until at least 2031. A serving federal minister and a sitting governor from the North East are among those who reportedly share this view.
“It is increasingly clear that some factions are not comfortable with Atiku contesting again. Their fear is that he could win, which would mean a return to the North before the South completes its turn,” the source added.
Despite these tensions, Atiku is not backing down. He has made it clear that he is not leaving the PDP but believes a strong coalition is necessary to compete with the APC in the coming elections. The presence of high-profile figures at the meeting signals that there may be broader support for a shift in strategy, possibly even a new political front.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. Many others who are sympathetic to Atiku’s position couldn’t attend but are watching closely. This meeting may signal the beginning of a new political movement,” another insider noted.
