The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from the coalition movement led by prominent party figures, including Atiku Abubakar and David Mark, clarifying that such efforts do not represent the party’s official position.
In a statement released on Wednesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated that the party is currently focused on its preparations for the upcoming National Convention, rather than joining any coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The PDP has been dealing with internal strife since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election, with tensions escalating in 2024 over the National Secretary role. The dispute was finally resolved in favor of Samuel Anyanwu at the party’s 100th National Executive Committee meeting, but not before triggering defections and new alliances.
Recently, some PDP members have aligned themselves with a coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite a previous declaration by PDP governors in Ibadan that the party would not join any coalition against Tinubu. The National Working Committee, under acting Chairman Umar Damagum, reaffirmed this stance, stressing that while the PDP welcomes new members, it is not interested in coalitions at this time.
Contradicting the party’s official stance, Atiku Abubakar, David Mark—now interim chairman of the ADC—and Sule Lamido have publicly urged support for the ADC-led coalition. This was formalized in a communiqué signed by Mark after a strategy session at the Transcorp Hilton.
While some leaders have left the PDP, others remain but are open to collaboration with the ADC. Damagum has warned that disciplinary action awaits those attempting to destabilize the party.
Ologunagba clarified, “The attention of the National Working Committee of PDP has been drawn to a misrepresentative report…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 is working towards a successful National Convention, aiming to revamp and reposition itself for the 2027 elections. Ologunagba concluded by reiterating the party’s openness to collaborate with like-minded Nigerians in efforts to challenge the ruling APC.