By Jeremy Fregene
Amid intensifying political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 general elections, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki has reached out to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), even as a United States lobbying firm moves to push for sanctions against Nigerian officials over the electoral body’s controversial actions involving the party.
The PDP delegation, which included key opposition figures such as Seyi Makinde, held a closed-door meeting with the African Democratic Congress leadership led by David Mark at his residence in Abuja.
The high-profile meeting, which lasted about two hours, brought together a broad coalition of political heavyweights, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi, among others.
Speaking after the meeting, Makinde described the visit as a “solidarity engagement,” noting that it was prompted by recent developments within the ADC and the broader political space.
“We came here to visit the leadership of ADC. We are on a solidarity visit,” he said, adding that opposition actors must collaborate to safeguard democratic values and prevent actions that could erode public confidence in governance.
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that the talks centred on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting electoral transparency, and building alliances capable of reshaping Nigeria’s multiparty system ahead of 2027.
The meeting is widely seen by observers as part of a growing wave of consultations and quiet alignments among opposition figures seeking to consolidate forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The unfolding political realignments come against the backdrop of rising international scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral process.
A Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has announced plans to urge the administration of Donald Trump and members of the U.S. Congress to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s derecognition of ADC leadership factions.
The firm criticised INEC’s handling of internal disputes within the ADC, warning that the move could undermine the opposition’s ability to effectively organise ahead of the next election cycle.
It argued that while INEC has the technical capacity to conduct credible elections, it has shown “serious weaknesses” when confronted with political interference, citing both the 2023 elections and emerging developments.
The lobbying group disclosed that it is already engaging U.S. policymakers and plans to recommend sanctions under the Global Magnitsky framework, targeting any Nigerian official found to be involved in electoral manipulation. Proposed measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on access to the global financial system.
The push is linked to a $1.2 million contract reportedly signed by Atiku Abubakar in March 2026 to bolster international advocacy and policy engagement.
INEC’s decision to derecognise rival ADC leadership factions, including those aligned with David Mark, has deepened internal divisions within the party and heightened concerns among opposition stakeholders.