A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

Tension gripped Abuja on Wednesday as leaders and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside key opposition figures, staged a massive protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), raising alarm over what they described as threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

The protest, tagged #OccupyINEC, was driven by growing dissatisfaction with INEC’s handling of the ADC’s internal leadership crisis and broader concerns about the credibility of the electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Trigger of the Protest

At the heart of the demonstration was INEC’s decision to reject correspondence from rival factions of the ADC following a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute.

ALSO READ: David Mark’s ADC Faction Loses Recognition as INEC Bows to Court Order

The party and its allies accused the electoral body of interfering in internal party affairs and acting beyond its constitutional role, a move they say undermines political neutrality.

Heavyweight Politicians Lead Charge
The protest attracted high-profile political figures, including former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Addressing the crowd, Obi warned that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, rejecting any move toward a one-party system.

“We must not allow our democracy to be destroyed,” he said, urging Nigerians to rise in its defense.

Amaechi, on his part, criticized the current administration, alleging worsening economic conditions and unfulfilled promises.

ADC’s Key Demands

During the protest, ADC leaders rolled out a six-point demand directed at INEC, including:
Immediate resignation or removal of the INEC Chairman, Withdrawal of controversial communications to the ADC, Public apology from the commission
Commitment to non-interference in party affairs, Legal action if demands are ignored and Nationwide civic mobilisation.

The party accused INEC leadership of partisanship and actions capable of weakening Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

Massive Turnout Amid Rain

Despite rainfall, hundreds of protesters flooded major roads in Abuja, marching toward the INEC headquarters.

The rally, which initially began as an ADC protest, quickly evolved into a broader coalition movement, with participants from different political parties joining forces.

Allegations of Bias

Former lawmaker Kabiru Marafa alleged that the electoral body was populated by individuals with political affiliations, raising concerns about its neutrality.

He warned that any attempt to impose a one-party system in Nigeria would fail, stressing that the country’s diversity makes such a move unrealistic.

Call for Democratic Unity

In a related development, opposition leaders held a closed-door meeting at the residence of David Mark, signaling efforts to build a united front ahead of future elections.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the engagement as a show of solidarity aimed at preserving democratic values.

Protest Remains Peaceful

Security operatives monitored the situation as protesters maintained a peaceful demonstration, even as tensions remained high.