Our Meeting With Atiku Centres on 2027 — ADP
Leaders of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) have said their recent meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was focused on exploring collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADP National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, disclosed this while speaking on the purpose of the engagement, adding that discussions were centred on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space and sustaining the country’s multi-party system.
Atiku held a private meeting with ADP leaders in Abuja on February 1, a development that has since generated speculation about his political plans ahead of 2027.
According to party sources, including a senior ADP official who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to comment publicly, the meeting may be connected to preparations for the next general election.
Following the meeting, there have been speculations that Atiku could be considering the ADP as a possible alternative political platform should he fail to secure the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
However, speaking on the matter, Sani explained that the engagement with the former vice president was primarily aimed at reinforcing democratic pluralism and ensuring that opposition parties remain strong and functional.
“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.
He added that discussions also touched on concerns about the political environment, particularly the need to safeguard opposition parties from intimidation or marginalisation.
“The focus is on creating an environment where opposition groups feel reinforced and encouraged, especially amid concerns that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is attempting to weaken and discourage opposition participation,” Yabagi stated.
He stressed that sustaining a strong opposition is critical to deepening democracy and ensuring accountability in governance.
