Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) met in Abuja on Wednesday to address internal crises and fears of receding democracy ahead of 2027.
The meeting held at the residence of David Mark, ADC National Chairman, lasted about three hours and drew topline politicians including, Seyi Makinde, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“We came here to visit the leadership of ADC. We’re on a solidarity visit,” Makinde said.
“We’ve seen what has been happening within the political space… so we came to commit to a truly democratic space.”
The visit followed disputes within both parties and concerns of partiality allegedly demonstrated by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Opposition Raises Alarm Over Political Pressure
The PDP said the visit responded to “recent political attacks targeted at opposition parties.”
“We acknowledge the growing and shared threat confronting opposition parties,” the party said in a statement.
Meanwhile, ADC leaders echoed similar fears about weakening opposition structures nationwide.
“Our democracy must not be killed,” Obi declared during a protest held later in Abuja.
“We say no to a one-party system… Nigerians must defend democracy.”
The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, drew hundreds of supporters, including members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
#OccupyINEC Protest Deepens Electoral Dispute
Protesters gathered at INEC headquarters, backing Mark’s leadership amid a dispute with a rival faction.
“INEC must do the right thing by recognising Senator David Mark,” Kwankwaso said.
“Anything short of that is a disservice to democracy.”
Similarly, Rotimi Amaechi warned against perceived bias.
“INEC must avoid any action that could be interpreted as bias,” he said.
However, Dino Melaye added: “INEC is playing politics with legality… this matter has been settled within the party.”
The anxieties erupted from INEC’s decision to suspend recognition of both ADC factions after a Court of Appeal judgment, which many analysts said it meant complete disenfranchisement of the party, as it prepares for critical congresses next month.
Consequently, tensions have escalated, with ADC accusing the commission of working for the ruling party.
“INEC is not a court of law… its duty is to act within the constitution,” the party stated.
Meanwhile, a rival PDP faction linked to Nyesom Wike rejected the Abuja meeting.
“Those who attended acted in their personal capacities,” said spokesman Jungudo Mohammed.
The faction insisted the party had no official engagement with ADC and remains focused on internal processes.
The Wike-led faction, strangely, says it is supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
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