Leaders of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), yesterday and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, met in Abuja, to close ranks ahead 2027.
Yesterday’s meeting which lasted for more than four hours was the first time the two parties would be coming together to discuss issues of mutual interests, reports Daily Trust.
The meeting came shortly after leaders of the ADC staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, over the stance of the electoral body to de-recognise the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting which held at the Apo Quarters residence of the ADC national chairman, Senator David Mark; Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, said the visit was in solidarity with the ADC, in view of what is happening to opposition parties in the country.
“We came here to visit the leadership of ADC. We’re on a solidarity visit. We’ve seen what has been happening within the political space before and the protest today. So, we came to show solidarity and to commit to a truly democratic space in our country”, he said.
The PDP also issued a statement at the end the meeting emphasising that the visit was over the recent “attacks targeted at Nigeria’s opposition parties”.
“During the visit, the PDP acknowledged the growing and shared threat confronting opposition political parties in the country, noting that similar pressures have been experienced by the PDP in recent times.
“The delegation emphasised the need for vigilance in the face of actions capable of undermining democratic principles and political plurality, ” PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong stated.
A reliable source close to one of the top leaders of the ADC told our correspondent that the leaders of the two parties agreed that what was happening to the parties they represent were not mere coincidences, but deliberately orchestrated to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
“They lamented that the opposition is being muzzled using the institutions of state but vowed to resist attempt to cow them. They also insisted that the opposition must participate in the 2027 election”, he said.
Another source, who is an associate of one of the leaders of the ADC, said they agreed to form an alliance to challenge the ruling party as it has dawned on them that the only way out for them to go into a partnership.
“They are exploring opportunities for collaboration with a view to seeing how both would harness their resources and areas of advantages to save democracy in Nigeria, rather than having an Abacha styled one- party- state democracy where all the parties would adopt one presidential candidate,” he said.
Among those present at the meeting were; Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the ADC, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last election, Peter Obi.
Others were; former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Aminu Tambuwal among others.
On the side of the PDP were; Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, factional National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, Professor Jerry Gana, former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu and other members of the National Working Committee of the PDP.
In their response, the ADC leadership expressed appreciation to the PDP for the visit and reiterated what it called existential threat facing democracy in Nigeria, particularly through the weakening of major opposition parties. Both parties affirmed the need for continued engagement in defence of democratic values and institutions.
Those that took part in the earlier protest to INEC include; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi; his New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) counterpart, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark.
Others, who also joined the protest were former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal among others.
The crisis rocking the ADC reached its crescendo when INEC decided not to recognize David Mark and others as leaders of the party.
INEC also removed the name of the national chairman and secretary, from its portal, basing its action on the ruling of the Court of Appeal.
Also, Nafiu Bala, who was Deputy National Vice Chairman of the ADC, said he had rejected the ratification of Mark as National Chairman in July, insisting that the previous NWC of the party resigned and was supposed to take over as chairman.
He also sought a court order asking INEC to recognise him as acting national chairman.
On Tuesday, some state chairmen of the party loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu, appointed a new caretaker leadership, saying because of the stance of INEC, they could not allow a vacuum.
The new leadership promised to liaise with INEC to recognise them, promising that a new national convention will be held soon.
Meanwhile, the protest by the leaders began from Maitama roundabout and headed to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
Reacting to the protest, ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a post on X, stated that the action was against “the injustice and high-handedness of the the electoral body towards the party”.
A few days ago, the ADC Youth Wing threatened to occupy INEC offices across the country if the commission failed to restore the Senator Mark-led leadership on its portal within 72 hours.
ADC vows coordinated civil action against INEC
In a letter submitted to INEC during the protest, the ADC said while they are asking the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to resign, they are also imploring INEC to reverse itself on the recognition of the party, adding that failure to do that will force the group to institute a civil action against the commission.
According to the opposition leaders, they are also demanding an apology saying, ”We are demanding your immediate resignation from office in the interest of preserving the integrity of INEC; or your immediate removal by the appropriate constitutional authorities for gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of constitutional boundaries”.
The party is also demanding the immediate withdrawal of “INEC’s offensive correspondence to the ADC. A formal apology to the party; and a clear commitment to refrain from further interference in the internal affairs of political parties.”
It said failure to comply “will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability, including judicial proceedings and coordinated civil action.”
ADC also said the recent interview by the INEC chair was “not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office he occupies but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy and to assume roles far outside the constitutional mandate of the commission”.
It added, “Your conduct, taken together with INEC’s earlier correspondence to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reinforces the perception that the commission under your leadership has abandoned neutrality and has instead aligned itself with factional interests. This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system.”
The group stressed that it will resist any such attempt “lawfully, firmly, and resolutely. Nigeria’s democracy was built on the foundation of political plurality, and no individual or institution will be allowed to erode that foundation through partisan conduct and administrative overreach.”
The party also recalled that the report of the NEC meeting was submitted to INEC as directed by the NEC. “It was on the basis of this open, transparent process that INEC accepted the new leadership and uploaded the principal officers in its electronic portal.
“We must also bring to your notice that we are aware of efforts being made by INEC under your directive as well as the pressure being mounted on conscientious INEC officials to recant their testimonies which contradict the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable,”they said.
Choice of platform to adopt remains biggest hurdle – Dr. Sufi
A Kano-based political analyst, Dr Kabiru Sa’id Sufi, has said that the ongoing talks between the David Mark-led ADC and the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP on a possible alliance ahead of 2027, face a major obstacle, which is that of the platform to adopt.
Sufi, who lectures at the Kano State College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies (CAS), explained that while the alliance is possible, both parties must first resolve internal crises.
The don said, “If PDP, then they have to wait for the decision of the Supreme Court. If ADC, it depends on the resolution of the leadership crisis at hand.
“So it is possible for the two camps to come together and decide on the next line of action, but there are issues that have to be resolved first,” he said.
He said the parties may also consider adopting an alternative platform if time permits, but such a move would require choosing a party that has fulfilled all national spread requirements and can accommodate them without future rancour.
Dr Sufi added that if the obstacles are overcome, the alliance could work, especially since both parties share a common experience of internal crises.
‘Why it’s difficult for ADC leaders to adopt new party’
President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Yinka Folarin, welcomed the protest of the ADC leaders, saying Nigeria must not be allowed to slide into one party system.
“It is within their right to do so. And I would equally advise them to also do that within the protection of the law.
“So, both the judiciary and the higher authorities should look into the issues,” Folarin told our correspondent.
Asked if the protest can make a difference, he said, “Well, even if it is not going to make a difference, at least, one way or the other, they will be seen to have expressed their dissatisfaction.
“Maybe that would also prompt the judiciary and the electoral umpire to go forth and seek more interpretation about the issue of status quo,” he said.
He maintained that there must be opposition in Nigeria.
A political scientist, Prof Emmanuel Ojo, said the coalition leaders are in a fix because they played into the hands of the ruling APC.
“They may move to a new political party if that party is not a booby trap. But time is no more on their side going by the Electoral Act.
“So, they need to make up their mind and abandon the ADC and move to SDP or PRP or whatever. What I know is that the ruling party will be happy that they are moving to a new political party. Reason:It takes time to nurture a political party.
“You cannot move to a brand new party within a month and win a state or a local government, where your disciples are yet to be conversant with the logo of that party. You see the dilemma?” Ojo said.
