ADP says meeting with Atiku focuses on 2027 elections strategy

Leaders of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) have said their recent meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was aimed at exploring collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

The ADP National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, along with another party official who requested anonymity, indicated that the engagement could relate to preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku held a private meeting with ADP leaders in Abuja on February 1. Following the discussion, speculation has emerged that Atiku may consider the ADP as an alternative platform if he does not secure the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

Explaining the purpose of the meeting, Sani said the engagement was intended to sustain the country’s multi-party system and ensure opposition parties remain credible challengers to the ruling APC.

“The meeting was largely about strengthening democracy and protecting democratic pluralism, ensuring that Nigeria’s multi-party system is sustained and that opposition parties have the stability needed to function effectively,” he said.

“The focus is on creating an environment where opposition groups feel reinforced and encouraged, especially amid concerns that the ruling APC is attempting to weaken and discourage opposition participation.”

Sani added that the discussions with Atiku, along with ongoing consultations with other stakeholders, aim to provide viable alternatives for opposition leaders.

“The ongoing consultations are not limited to one individual or party but involve a broad range of opposition groups, political stakeholders and youth organisations, including dynamic civic platforms such as the National Youth Alliance. Engagements are continuing with various opposition parties to explore collaboration and build a united front that can strengthen democratic competition,” he explained.

He noted that part of the strategy includes developing a “Plan B,” to ensure that if one platform faces disqualification, litigation, or technical challenges, alternative avenues remain open for opposition actors.

“The intention is to avoid last-minute surprises or situations where parties are left with no option but prolonged court battles that weaken their electoral prospects,” he said.

Another ADP official added that the meeting focused on how like-minded opposition leaders can work together ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We met largely to discuss areas of collaboration and how we can work together ahead of the 2027 election. Opposition parties are trying to work together. In our case, we are not going to be part of any coalition, but we are engaging with leaders beyond Atiku,” he said.

“We are also speaking with others to see how we can create more options for opposition leaders and like-minded individuals who are willing to come together to rescue the country from the All Progressives Congress. The conversation is centred on democracy, how to sustain it, how to develop the country, and how to address the issues affecting our nation. That is simply the essence of it.”