ADP steps up opposition talks after Atiku’s meeting

…warns against one-party state

Yabagi Yusuf Sani, National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), has confirmed that opposition leaders and parties have begun early consultations aimed at building a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections, following a recent strategic meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with BusinessDay at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Sani said the outreach to Atiku formed part of broader efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s opposition space and prevent what he described as a gradual drift towards one-party dominance by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, the ADP delegation recently met with Atiku to discuss the future of opposition politics and the need for collaboration among key democratic stakeholders.

Sani said the visit was intended to reassure the former vice president of the need for collective action rather than isolated political pursuits.

He argued that the growing wave of defections into the ruling party reflects deeper structural weaknesses within opposition platforms, warning that such a trend could undermine electoral competitiveness if left unchecked.

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“The APC-led government is not only consolidating power but also, in our view, weakening opposition institutions. That is why we have initiated dialogue among opposition parties, democratic institutions and influential political figures who share the responsibility of safeguarding pluralism in Nigeria,” he said.

He stressed that Atiku remains a significant figure in the country’s democratic evolution and that the meeting focused on encouraging continued engagement in efforts to rebuild a viable opposition coalition.

“If Nigerians are left with only one dominant political option, then the essence of democracy is threatened. Our engagement with Atiku and other leaders is about reinforcing democratic choice and strengthening alternative platforms,” he added.

Sani also disclosed that the party is preparing to open its nationwide membership registration portal soon as part of its reorganisation strategy ahead of the next election cycle.

He noted that the ADP intends to expand its grassroots structures while simultaneously deepening alliances capable of shaping the 2027 contest.