A faction within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that aligned with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has initiated talks with leaders of the African Democratic Congress(ADC) as part of ongoing efforts to build a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The engagement, which took place on Wednesday, brought together key figures, including former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Insiders revealed that the closed-door meeting, held at Mark’s residence in Abuja, explored possible areas of collaboration, including the choice of political platform, power-sharing arrangements, and broader strategies for opposition unity.

He added that the discussions focused on forming a united front capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu in the next election cycle.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Makinde downplayed speculation of a formal alliance, describing the visit as symbolic.

“We came here to visit the leadership of the ADC. We are on a solidarity visit. We have seen what has been happening within the political space, including the protest today.

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“So, we came to show solidarity and to commit to a truly democratic space in our country,” he said.

Despite this, sources indicated that opposition figures are increasingly aligned on the need to work together. One insider said, “They resolved that they must work and strategise together on all fronts to ensure there is a credible alternative for Nigeria. The opposition leaders are determined to prevent a one-man or one-party state.”

The source added that while there is agreement in principle to collaborate, a final decision on which platform to adopt—whether PDP, ADC, or another party—will depend on ongoing legal and political developments.

The meeting drew several prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Aminu Tambuwal, among others.

However, a rival PDP faction linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected claims that the party had entered into any alliance talks.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the group dismissed the reports as inaccurate.

“The PDP categorically states that it has not held any meeting, formal or informal, with the ADC or any of its representatives.

“The PDP firmly states that no such meeting was convened or authorised by the party. Any persons reported to have participated in such engagements did so purely in their individual capacities and cannot be deemed to represent the PDP in any form,” the statement read.

The faction urged party members and the public to disregard what it described as “baseless claims,” insisting that the party remains focused on internal preparations, including upcoming primaries.

Meanwhile, tensions within the opposition have been heightened by developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission, which recently removed key ADC figures, including Mark and Aregbesola, from its official records following a court directive.

This move has triggered protests by ADC leaders and supporters, who accused the electoral body of bias and demanded accountability. In a letter submitted to INEC, the party criticised the commission’s actions and called for the resignation of its chairman.

Atiku, who participated in the protest, said the demonstration was aimed at defending democratic principles.

“Other leaders and I of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship,” he said.

Similarly, Obi urged Nigerians to take an active role in protecting democratic values.

“We, members and leaders of the ADC and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed.

“We say no to a one-party system, and for that reason, today we are calling on Nigerians who believe in unity, peace and the security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land,” he stated.

As political manoeuvring intensifies ahead of 2027, both the PDP and ADC continue to grapple with internal divisions and legal disputes, raising questions about the eventual shape of the opposition coalition.