ABUJA — Leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convened in the capital on Friday, April 10, 2026, for a high-stakes “strategic engagement” aimed at solidifying an opposition front for the 2027 general elections.
A Unified Stand Against “Anti-Democratic” Forces
The meeting, attended by PRP National Chairman Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and ADC factional leader Senator David Mark, centered on a growing rift between the ADC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The PRP issued a stinging condemnation of recent actions taken against the ADC, describing them as “assaults” that threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability. Dr. Baba-Ahmed expressed “strong solidarity” with the ADC, which has recently seen its top leadership derecognized by the electoral body.
The Battle for the Portal
The core of the dispute lies in INEC’s decision on April 1, 2026, to remove the names of the David Mark-led leadership from its official portal. INEC cited a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling that ordered a return to the status quo ante bellum—a decision INEC interpreted as reverting to a pre-September 2025 leadership structure.
The ADC has hit back with a lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025), arguing that INEC’s move effectively blocks them from meeting critical May 10 deadlines for candidate submissions.
Amupitan Under Fire
This crisis represents the first major political test for Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), who was sworn in as INEC Chairman in late 2025. Critics and civil society groups have accused the Amupitan-led commission of “overreach,” with some even calling for his resignation during street protests earlier this week.
The 2027 Rescue Mission
Beyond the legal battle, the Abuja meeting signals a broader realignment. The PRP has openly “wooed” prominent figures like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Kwankwaso to unite under its banner to rescue the country from what they term the “grip” of the ruling party.
“We are not afraid of mergers at all,” stated the PRP leadership, inviting all “decent Nigerians” to join a movement focused on solutions rather than power for its own sake.
