By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
ABUJA – In what appears to be a strategic political move ahead of the 2027 general elections, former South-West Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Comrade Dr. Babatunde Oke, has openly declared his support for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its coalition drive, following a private meeting with Nigeria’s former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
The political activist and grassroots mobilizer, who recently resigned from the NNPP and defected to the PDP, shared a photograph and details of his closed-door meeting with the PDP stalwart on his social media page on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
“I visited our great leader, the warrior himself, the front liner, His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON, Wazirin Adamawa, in his Abuja residence,” Dr. Oke wrote. “We discussed national politics, the coalition, the 2027 election, and what the nation expects from our generation. Thank you, Wazirin Adamawa, for standing by Nigeria and Nigerians.”
He concluded his remarks with a firm endorsement of the coalition strategy: “We will stand by the process, we will support the process, we will trust the process of #Coalition. Remain #Atikulated.”
Though the details of the meeting were not disclosed to journalists, sources within the PDP suggest that Oke’s defection and meeting with Atiku is part of a larger effort to strengthen alliances among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 polls.
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, remains one of the most influential figures in Nigerian politics. Known for his recurring presidential ambitions, Atiku has contested for Nigeria’s highest office five times, most recently in the 2023 general election under the PDP platform, where he emerged as a key opposition figure.
His residence in Abuja has, in recent months, become a hub for political consultations as the PDP continues its efforts to reposition and unify the opposition bloc. The mention of a coalition in Oke’s statement further adds to speculation about a possible merger or alliance among leading political parties and figures dissatisfied with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political observers believe that Oke’s defection and meeting with Atiku may be a sign of increasing momentum within the PDP camp, particularly as discussions around the 2027 elections begin to take shape.
Dr. Babatunde Oke, known for his vibrant advocacy for youth inclusion and political reform, has played active roles within the NNPP prior to his defection. His move is expected to influence the political alignment of some grassroots supporters in the South-West.
As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, the coming months may witness more high-profile defections and behind-the-scenes negotiations among power brokers aiming to reshape the country’s future leadership.
