Details Emerge from Atiku, David Mark, Other PDP Leaders’ Coalition Meeting

By Arthur Maduka

Fresh details have emerged from the high-level meeting convened by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other prominent figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling a major push towards building a broad-based opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The closed-door meeting, which took place in Abuja, was attended by influential party stalwarts including former Senate President David Mark, former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, and ex-governors Sule Lamido, Aminu Tambuwal, Liyel Imoke, Babangida Aliyu, Sam Egwu, and Gabriel Suswam. Also present were former ministers Tom Ikimi, Josephine Anenih, and Inna Ciroma, as well as Senator Abdul Ningi, former senator Ben Obi, and former PDP spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting and read by David Mark, the leaders called for the urgent formation of a united opposition front anchored on national unity, democratic values, economic recovery, security, and the fight against corruption. They urged like-minded individuals and political parties to join what they described as a rescue mission for Nigeria, stating that the current administration has failed on multiple fronts.

The group condemned the APC-led federal government, describing it as a national disaster that has inflicted untold hardship on Nigerians. They alleged that the ruling party has consistently used threats, blackmail, and patronage to weaken the PDP and destabilize internal party structures, leading to defections and reduced cohesion within the main opposition.

According to the leaders, the PDP, once known for its internal discipline and strong political structure, has become a shadow of its former self. They emphasized the need for immediate strategic planning and groundwork at both state and national levels to ensure effective participation in the 2027 elections.

Sources also confirmed that Atiku Abubakar is actively leading consultations with key political figures across party lines to build a viable coalition. Those reportedly approached include Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal. Although there have been unconfirmed reports that Atiku offered Obi a vice-presidential slot, Obi has publicly denied such a proposal.

Meanwhile, members of the coalition have applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register a new political platform known as the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). While INEC’s response is still pending, the move is seen as a concrete step toward repositioning the opposition ahead of the next general election cycle.

Below is the full communique….

COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF CONCERNED LEADERS OF THE PDP HELD AT TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL ABUJA ON 

TUESDAY 1ST JULY 2025

PREAMBLE

The meeting of Concerned Leaders of our great Party PDP was called to discuss the disturbing condition the Party has been sunk into. 

Since our loss in the last presidential election and the exit of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman, our dear Party has never been the same again.

Vested interests from within and the irresponsible actions of the APC led federal government which has been using State Institutions to stifle and destroy the Democracy knows no bounds! 

The inability of PDP leadership to lead the Party by its Constitution, rules and regulations led it into a chaotic and undisciplined Party! 

The vision of the founding Fathers for which the Party was established and the role it played in restoring Nigeria as stable and united country and key player on the regional, continental, and global stage has been washed away just as our roles as the leader of the black race is now overtaken by smaller and less endowed countries. 

Painfully, Nigeria is now a diminished country and an embarrassment on the world stage!

The meeting took time to deliberate deeply on the issues of democracy, national unity, national security, economy, corruption, governance, and other concerns plaguing our country. 

Arising from the above, the meeting hereby resolved as follows:

1) The APC government, which came into being on the false and evil propaganda, to save Nigeria from PDP is now a disaster to our nation and therefore must be voted out of power 

2) All indices of development that support the comfort and quality of lives of the citizens have collapsed, and life is now hell in Nigeria

3) The PDP, which is organic with the discipline, capacity, and history to lead and save Nigeria, is now a shadow of its old self. The heatwave unleashed by the APC Federal government through threats, blackmail and patronage has forced elected officers in government to abandon the PDP.

The meeting here now decides

a) The meeting encourages all well-meaning PDP Members and other patriotic Nigerians to join the coalition.

b) All coalition partners must be united on the issues of NATIONAL UNITY, DEMOCRACY, NATIONAL SECURITY, NATIONAL ECONOMY, and the political will to stamp out corruption embedded in our institutions.

c) the coalition partners to work out the modalities of winning all elections taking into consideration local and national peculiarities.