Nigeria’s leading opposition figures on Saturday converged in Ibadan for a high-stakes political summit aimed at forging a unified front ahead of future elections, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo presiding over proceedings that brought together some of the country’s most influential political actors.
The meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, attracted stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress and New Nigeria Peoples Party, alongside other opposition blocs exploring possible collaboration ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Organised under the theme “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” the summit was framed as a response to mounting socio-economic pressures, governance concerns and insecurity challenges facing the country.
Among the early arrivals were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, both of whom publicly confirmed their participation via social media posts, signalling the importance attached to the gathering.
The summit is being hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who welcomed delegates from across Nigeria’s political spectrum. Also present were former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal and Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
Talks centred on opposition coordination
The Ibadan summit is expected to serve as a strategic platform for rebuilding trust among opposition parties and exploring possibilities for coordinated action ahead of upcoming elections.
Discussions are also focused on governance challenges, electoral reforms, and the need for a stronger political alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s deepening economic and security crises.
A panel of prominent speakers has been lined up to provide expert input on national issues. These include human rights advocate Chidi Odinkalu and political commentator Usman Bugaje, both expected to reflect on democratic governance and institutional accountability.
Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) official Mike Igini is billed to address electoral credibility and reforms, while economist Pat Utomi will focus on economic restructuring and productivity. Security expert Kabir Adamu is expected to present on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity landscape.
Allegations of disruption plot
Even as discussions progressed, the summit was clouded by allegations from the opposition camp that the ruling All Progressives Congress attempted to disrupt the gathering.
The African Democratic Congress claimed in a statement posted on X that there were efforts to frustrate the meeting after earlier attempts to deny opposition groups access to venues in Abuja.
“They say they are not scared, but their actions show otherwise,” the statement said, insisting that the opposition would not be deterred from its engagement.
The APC had not responded to the allegation as of press time, while attempts to reach its spokesperson, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful.
Signals of shifting alliances
Beyond the formal sessions, political observers are closely watching the informal alignments taking shape at the summit.
The presence of former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, former Kano deputy governor Nasiru Gawuna, and figures linked to the Kwankwasiyya Movement has further fuelled speculation about emerging blocs within the opposition landscape.
Analysts say such interactions point to ongoing negotiations and strategic positioning among political actors seeking relevance in the evolving opposition structure.
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