Prominent opposition figures on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting in Abuja shortly after staging a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis.
The meeting, hosted by factional ADC chairman David Mark at his Abuja residence, brought together key political actors from across party lines, signaling intensified consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among those present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
Also in attendance were former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, and ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde attended the meeting alongside members of the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including National Secretary Taofeeq Arapaja and spokesperson Ini Ememobong.
The gathering followed a protest earlier in the day by Mark’s faction of the ADC, which challenged INEC’s handling of the party’s internal leadership dispute.
While details of the discussions remain undisclosed, sources indicate that the meeting focused on strengthening opposition collaboration and developing strategies to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Makinde’s presence is particularly notable given his role in the G-5 governors during the 2023 elections—a group that opposed Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy and contributed to internal divisions within the PDP.
The G-5, led by former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, included Makinde, Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Okezie Ikpeazu.
Their disagreement with the PDP leadership at the time weakened party unity and was widely seen as a factor in its electoral defeat.
