Kabiru Turaki, the factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called for unity among opposition parties.
On Wednesday, the Turaki faction paid a solidarity visit to
the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President David
Mark.
Since July 2025, when an opposition coalition took over the
ADC’s leadership, the party has been embroiled in internal disputes, with Nafiu
Bala, a former deputy national chairman, alleging that Mark was illegally
appointed as the national chairman.
The crisis escalated last week when the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) derecognised the Mark-led leadership.
The electoral body said it would refrain from engaging with
Mark’s leadership and Bala faction, citing the March 12 interim ruling of the
court of appeal.
The commission said it would not attend meetings,
congresses, or conventions of the groups pending the determination of a case
before the federal high court.
On Tuesday, the ADC State Chairmen Forum rejected the
party’s factions led by David and Bala.
The forum announced an interim committee to oversee the
party’s activities pending a national convention.
The PDP is also polarised into two factions.
In March, the faction backed by Nyesom Wike, minister of the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), elected Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel
Anyanwu as the national chairman and secretary, respectively.
The Turaki-led PDP had asked the supreme court to restrain
the Wike camp from holding the elective national convention.
‘OPPOSITION MUST UNITE’
In a post on X on Thursday, Turaki said the meeting
underscored the need for opposition parties to close ranks in the face of
shared political challenges.
He said discussions with ADC leaders revealed a “clear and
sobering understanding” that opposition parties are facing similar pressures.
“It was more than just a formal engagement— it was a moment
of reflection, shared concern, and a reaffirmation of our collective duty to
protect Nigeria’s democracy,” Turaki wrote.
“As we sat across from respected leaders such as Atiku
Abubakar, Peter Obi and other ADC leaders. There was a clear and sobering
understanding: the challenges facing opposition parties in Nigeria today are
real, shared, and demand unity of purpose.
“In leading this delegation—which included distinguished
figures like His Excellency Seyi Makinde, Adolphus Wabara, Former Senate
President, and Prof. Jerry Gana—I felt a deep sense of responsibility.
“Not just to represent the PDP, but to stand in defence of
democratic ideals that transcend party lines. We spoke candidly about the
pressures and political headwinds confronting opposition parties.”
Turaki said the challenges are not isolated but part of a
broader trend that could weaken political plurality if not addressed
collectively.
“Having witnessed similar challenges within our own party,
we came not just in solidarity, but in shared resolve,” he said.
“What stood out most was the spirit of mutual respect and
understanding. Despite our different political platforms, there was a strong
consensus: democracy must be protected, voices must not be silenced, and the
space for healthy opposition must remain open and vibrant.”
Turaki added that beyond politics, the meeting was a
reminder of a “higher responsibility” to Nigeria and its people.
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