Leaders of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) have confirmed that their recent meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar focused on fostering collaboration to strengthen democracy in Nigeria and explore viable alternatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, held privately in Abuja on February 1, 2026, involved ADP National Chairman Yabagi Sani and other party leaders.
An unnamed ADP official added that discussions could position the ADP as an alternative platform, particularly if Atiku does not secure the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
According to Sani, the discussions centered on reinforcing Nigeria’s multi-party system, ensuring opposition parties are stable, and creating an environment that encourages credible democratic competition.
“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,” Sani 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.”
The ADP also revealed that their engagement with Atiku is part of broader consultations with opposition stakeholders, youth organizations, and civic platforms such as the National Youth Alliance. These talks aim to ensure that opposition leaders have viable alternatives, even if legal or technical challenges arise in specific party platforms.
“We are developing a ‘Plan B’ strategy to make sure that if one platform faces disqualification, litigation, or technical challenges, other alternatives remain viable,” Sani explained.
Another ADP official added that the meeting sought to explore collaborative options beyond Atiku, emphasizing a commitment to democracy, national development, and offering alternatives to the APC-led government.
“We met to discuss areas of collaboration ahead of the 2027 election. Opposition parties are seeking ways to work together, and while we won’t be part of any formal coalition, we are engaging with leaders beyond Atiku to create more options for like-minded individuals,” the official said.
The ADP continues to engage multiple political stakeholders to build a united front, aiming to strengthen democratic competition in Nigeria and provide citizens with credible electoral choices.
