Akahi News learnt that the embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party on Friday, in what appears to be a fresh round of political consultations amid the party’s lingering leadership crisis.

The high-level meeting, held away from the public glare, brought together key figures from both parties. This is not a casual chat between old friends. This is opposition politics in motion—fragmented, strategic, and increasingly desperate.

When a party chairman under siege reaches across to another opposition party, what exactly is he looking for? Solidarity? Numbers? A lifeline?

Who Was in the Room

Akahi News gathered that those in attendance included the new National Chairman of the PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed; Mark; ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi; his PRP counterpart, Muhammed Ishaq; and former National Vice Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress, Salihu Lukman, among others.

Baba-Ahmed, who recently assumed leadership of the PRP, had resigned his position as Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima in April 2025. That resignation was widely seen as a return to active partisan politics. Now, he is meeting with a man whose party is tearing itself apart.

It was alleged that neither party issued an official statement after the meeting. But a top chieftain familiar with the deliberations spoke on condition of anonymity. And what he revealed is telling.

The PRP, according to the source, used the opportunity to reaffirm its backing for the ADC leadership in its ongoing dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission and other state institutions.

“The PRP expressed strong solidarity with the ADC regarding its ongoing dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission and other government institutions,” the source said.

“The party unequivocally condemned the assaults and anti-democratic actions being directed at the ADC by certain forces, emphasising that such conduct undermines our democracy and jeopardises the nation’s stability.”

Mark’s Gratitude and the Growing Isolation

In response, Mark appreciated the show of support. He noted that the PRP had remained the only political party to publicly align with the ADC during the crisis. That is a striking admission. Only one party has come to their side.

“The ADC also expressed hope that the positive relationship between the two parties will remain harmonious, prioritising the collective interests of the nation,” Mark said.

Akahi News had earlier reported on the escalating tensions within the ADC. The emergence of a third faction has thrown the party into chaos. And now, that faction has endorsed the decision of INEC to withdraw recognition from the Mark-led leadership.

At a press conference in Abuja, the faction backed INEC’s action, stating that it was in line with a Court of Appeal judgment. The group also rejected the leadership of Nafiu Bala Gombe, insisting he did not emerge through any credible or known process.

It further accused former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, of attempting to hand over the party structure to non-members allegedly aligned with Mark.

Comprising some state chairmen, the faction claimed it convened a valid National Executive Committee meeting at Dumebi Kachikwu’s Abuja office, where it took key decisions, including the emergence of a new leadership structure.

It is not a child’s play when a political party fragments into three warring factions. It is even more dangerous when the electoral commission chooses a side. INEC has effectively blessed one faction over another. That is not neutrality. That is intervention.

For David Mark, the former Senate President who once commanded immense political capital, the current situation is humbling. He is now seeking solidarity from a smaller opposition party. He is grateful that anyone at all has shown up.

The PRP’s embrace may be warm, but will it translate into anything tangible? Can words of solidarity stop INEC from recognising a rival faction? Can condemnation from a minor party restore Mark’s grip on the ADC?

These are the questions hanging over that closed-door meeting.

The opposition in Nigeria is notoriously fractured. The ADC, the PRP, and others have struggled to present a united front against the ruling APC. Meetings like Friday’s are supposed to be the beginning of something bigger. But Nigerians have seen such meetings before. And they have seen them lead nowhere.

For now, Mark has something to announce: the PRP stands with him. In a crisis, even one ally feels like an army. But whether that army can fight—or whether it will simply watch as INEC and the courts dismantle his leadership—remains to be seen.

The ADC is bleeding. The PRP has offered a bandage. But the wound may already be too deep.

Key Summary Box

What happened: Embattled ADC National Chairman David Mark held a closed-door meeting with PRP leaders led by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed amid the ADC’s lingering leadership crisis.
Who attended: Mark, Baba-Ahmed, ADC’s Bolaji Abdullahi, PRP’s Muhammed Ishaq, former APC vice chairman Salihu Lukman, and others.
The PRP’s position: The party expressed solidarity with the ADC leadership in its dispute with INEC and condemned “anti-democratic actions” against the party.
Mark’s response: He appreciated the support, noting that the PRP was the only party to publicly align with the ADC during the crisis.
The other side: A third ADC faction has backed INEC’s withdrawal of recognition from Mark’s leadership, citing a Court of Appeal judgment.
Why it matters to Nigerians: The crisis within the ADC reflects the broader fragmentation of Nigeria’s opposition, weakening checks on the ruling party and reducing voter choice.
Bottom line: David Mark has found one ally in the PRP. But with INEC backing a rival faction and the courts looming, that ally may not be enough to save his chairmanship.