Atiku, David Mark, Lamido other PDP leaders in closed-door meeting over coalition party

• The PDP leaders are expected to make a decision on whether to remain in the party or fully join the proposed opposition coalition.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President, David Mark, a former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and other big guns of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are currently in a closed-door meeting.

The meeting, which is said to be presided over by Mark, is part of ongoing consultations ahead of the official announcement of a political platform for the opposition coalition.

Others in the meeting include a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, ex-Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Sam Egwu (Ebonyi).

According to reports, the PDP leaders are expected to make a decision on whether to remain in the party while forming a broader electoral alliance or fully join the proposed opposition coalition.

The talks signal heightened internal tensions within the PDP, particularly over Atiku Abubakar’s possible bid for the presidency in 2027.

“Several members of the PDP are already in dialogue with key figures in the coalition. A formal announcement could come as early as tomorrow,” Vanguard quoted a source familiar with the matter as saying.

There is reported opposition to Atiku’s potential candidacy from within the party, with concerns that his emergence could strengthen the PDP’s chances of unseating Tinubu, an outcome some insiders fear may disrupt regional political arrangements.

A federal minister and a North East governor are said to be among those expressing reservations about Atiku, arguing that power should remain in the South until 2031 before returning to the North.

“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 the rising opposition, Atiku remains resolute. However, the presence of several influential PDP figures at the meeting indicates that many are weighing the option of exiting the party alongside him.

“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.

As the country moves closer to the 2027 elections, this gathering represents a potentially decisive moment in Nigeria’s political trajectory. The outcome of these consultations could reshape the opposition landscape and redefine the race for the presidency.