Obasanjo Chairs Ibadan Opposition Summit as Atiku, Kwankwaso, Makinde Converge Ahead of 2027

Big Names, Big Moment — Opposition Converges on Ibadan

Nigeria’s fractured opposition has made an unusually public show of unity. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo chaired a National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders in Ibadan on Saturday, hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Banquet Hall of the Government House. The theme — “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy” — set the tone for what organisers described as a strategic gathering ahead of the 2027 elections.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar flew in for the occasion, confirming his arrival on X: “I have just arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the National Summit of all opposition parties.” Former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, whose NNPP has been navigating a complicated relationship with the opposition coalition, also attended — writing on arrival: “Excited to arrive in Ibadan… ready for meaningful engagements with fellow national leaders.”

Who Was in the Room

Beyond the headliners, the summit drew former Senate President Aminu Tambuwal, Lagos Labour Party governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, former NHRC chairman Chidi Odinkalu, and former House of Representatives member Usman Bugaje, who were among those expected to speak on sustainable democracy and governance. The PDP, ADC, NNPP and several smaller parties were all represented.

The presence of Obasanjo — who has made a habit of positioning himself above party lines — as chairman of the event gave the summit a weight that purely partisan gatherings often lack. His involvement signals that the opposition coalition is attempting to build credibility beyond its individual moving parts.

APC Accused of Plotting to Disrupt

The ADC’s interim spokesman alleged before the event that the ruling APC was coordinating efforts to disrupt proceedings. “They don’t want to leave us alone,” one opposition spokesperson said, with the ADC warning that security agencies had been put on notice. The APC did not publicly respond to the allegations.

Whether Saturday’s summit produces actionable coordination or remains a photo opportunity will become clearer in the weeks ahead — but the sheer turnout of names at the Banquet Hall marks the most visible opposition gathering Nigeria has seen since the 2023 elections.

Sources: Punch, Nigerian Eye, New Telegraph, TG News