Key opposition figures from across Nigeria met in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday for a national summit focused on building cooperation among parties outside the ruling bloc and shaping a coordinated political path ahead of future elections.
The meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, is chaired by Olusegun Obasanjo and hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. Organisers say the theme of the gathering centres on fostering unity among opposition groups in response to the country’s economic and security pressures.
Among early arrivals were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, both of whom confirmed their presence via social media posts.
They were joined by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Lagos Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, alongside leaders from several political platforms.
Participants include members of the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, and New Nigeria Peoples Party, among others. The event is designed to deepen collaboration and present a united front in Nigeria’s evolving political space.
Speakers scheduled to address the summit include former National Human Rights Commission chairman Chidi Odinkalu and ex-lawmaker Usman Bugaje, who are expected to discuss governance and democratic sustainability.
A former Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mike Igini, is billed to present on credible elections, while political economist Pat Utomi will speak on strengthening Nigeria’s economic productivity. Security analyst Kabir Adamu is also slated to examine the country’s persistent insecurity.
Elsewhere at the venue, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi was seen with former Kano deputy governor Nasiru Gawuna, as well as figures linked to the Kwankwasiyya movement.
In a separate statement, the African Democratic Congress alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress planned to frustrate the meeting after earlier venue challenges in Abuja. The party claimed the opposition would proceed regardless. As of the time of filing this report, the APC had not issued a response to the allegation.
Organisers say the summit represents a significant step toward aligning major opposition blocs and building consensus as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle.
