The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has moved to clarify its position regarding the recent coalition movement spearheaded by prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark. The party stated unequivocally that no official decision has been made to join any coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Okay.ng reports that, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, emphasized that the party’s current focus is on preparations for its imminent National Convention. This clarification comes amid ongoing internal challenges within the PDP, which have been present since the aftermath of the 2023 presidential election and were further complicated by disputes over the National Secretary position in 2024.
The leadership tussle was eventually settled in favor of Samuel Anyanwu during the party’s 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday. However, the resolution did not prevent several defections, with some PDP members pledging support for a new coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Earlier in April, PDP governors met in Ibadan, Oyo State, and publicly declared that the party would not participate in any coalition targeting the 2027 presidential elections. This stance was reiterated by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, who stated that while the party remains open to welcoming defectors from other parties, it is not considering joining any coalition at this time.
Despite this official position, high-profile PDP members, including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark—who is also the interim National Chairman of the ADC—and former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, have called on party members and Nigerians to support the ADC-led coalition. Their appeal was formalized in a communiqué signed by David Mark following a coalition strategy meeting at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
While some of these leaders have already left the PDP, others have expressed willingness to collaborate with the ADC while retaining their PDP membership. In response, acting National Chairman Damagum warned that disciplinary action would be taken against any members attempting to destabilize the party.
Ologunagba further clarified, “The attention of the National Working Committee of PDP has been drawn to a misrepresentative report in a section of the social media claiming that the PDP had directed its members to join the Coalition Group. For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC states in clear terms that the PDP has not taken any official position on the issue of the Coalition.”
He added, “The PDP is for now focused on building and consolidating on attained unity, stability and strengthening of its structures and capacity to play its roles as the leading opposition Party determined to return to power in 2027.”
The PDP assured its supporters that it is actively working to restore the party’s winning momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Our Party is currently working conscientiously towards a successful National Convention, which will further revamp and reposition the PDP for the task ahead,” Ologunagba said.
He concluded by emphasizing the PDP’s openness to collaborating with other like-minded Nigerians to “rescue the nation from the stranglehold of the rudderless and insensitive All Progressives Congress-led administration.”
