Top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have begun rallying support for a broad-based opposition coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, the PDP stalwarts held a high-level meeting in Abuja on Tuesday to fine-tune plans for the coalition and mobilize party members nationwide.
In a communiqué signed by David Mark, the leaders urged all “well-meaning PDP members and patriotic Nigerians” to join the coalition, emphasizing that the alliance would be built on unity, security, democratic values, and anti-corruption reforms.
“The coalition partners must work together to win elections across the board, guided by local and national realities,” the communiqué stated.
The meeting highlighted concerns over the PDP’s internal struggles following its 2023 loss and the removal of its former national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. The leaders accused the APC-led federal government of stifling democracy, weakening institutions, and driving Nigeria into deeper economic hardship.
“The APC came into power on propaganda, but has now become a national disaster. Nigeria under the current government is in decline on all development indicators,” the communiqué added.
While the PDP battles internal fractures, the party’s top brass sees the coalition as a lifeline to reassert its national relevance and challenge the APC in 2027.
Already, the opposition alliance is gaining momentum. Earlier this year, Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai held meetings that culminated in the selection of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the coalition’s political platform, with David Mark emerging as interim chairman.
Sources confirmed that the full unveiling of the coalition structure is expected this week.
PDP leaders present at the Abuja meeting included Aminu Tambuwal, Babangida Aliyu, Liyel Imoke, Sam Egwu, Uche Secondus, Senator Ben Obi, Josephine Anenih, Senator Austin Akobundu, Kola Ologbondiyan, and Abdullahi Maibasira, among others.
They warned that unless the party regains discipline and direction, it risks further erosion of its influence.
“This is a decisive moment. We must rescue Nigeria from decline. The PDP still has the structure and history to lead, but we must now build a united front with others,” said one participant.
As preparations intensify, analysts believe the emerging coalition—if sustained—could pose the strongest challenge yet to APC dominance in the Fourth Republic.