Prominent figures in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Tuesday, rose from a closed-door meeting with a declaration that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government used threats, blackmail and patronage to force members to abandon the party.The PDP leaders, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and former Senate President David Mark, held the high-level, closed-door talks in Abuja, raising the possibility of a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Other PDP bigwigs at the meeting presided over by Senator Mark, were former National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus and former governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), and Senator Abdul Ningi.
Also in attendance were former PDP National Women Leader Josephine Anenih, ex-National Organising Secretary Senator Austin Akobundu, former National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan, and former National Youth Leader Abdullahi Maibasira.
The strategic meeting, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, is part of ongoing consultations aimed at forming a strong coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s expected re-election bid.
PDP flagbearer…
According to sources at the venue, the discussions centred on whether PDP heavyweights would fully join the emerging coalition or retain their party membership, while forming a broader electoral alliance.
The talks reflect growing 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,” a source told Vanguard.