Key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Seyi Makinde, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Wednesday held a crucial meeting in Abuja amid growing tensions over the crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress.

The meeting followed protests by ADC members at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, opposing the commission’s decision to derecognise the party’s leadership factions.

The high-level talks, seen as part of ongoing opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, took place at the Apo residence of former Senate President, David Mark, who currently serves as ADC National Chairman.

Other prominent figures at the meeting included Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Abubakar Malami, and Aminu Tambuwal.

Makinde, who led members of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, was accompanied by party stakeholders, including Tanimu Turaki, Taofeek Arapaja, Adolphus Wabara, Babangida Aliyu, Jerry Gana, and Ini Ememobong.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Makinde described the gathering as a “solidarity visit” to ADC leadership, stressing the need to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic space.

“We have seen what has been happening in the political space, the court and the protest today. We came to commit to a clean democratic space in our country,” he said.

Although details of deliberations were not disclosed, sources indicated that discussions centred on strategies to strengthen opposition collaboration and challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.

There are also indications that consultations are ongoing on the possibility of adopting a unified political platform to enhance opposition chances in the polls. (TRIBUNE)