Opposition political leaders have converged in Ibadan, Oyo State, for a national summit aimed at strengthening unity and coordination among political parties, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo serving as chair of the meeting.
Reports monitored on Saturday indicate that key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and other political groups are in attendance in the Pacesetter State.Nigeria travel guide
The summit, holding at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, is themed “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy.” Organisers say it is a response to Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.
In a statement posted on the Peoples Democratic Party’s official X page, organisers described the meeting as a strategic response to the “socio-economic and security challenges currently facing the Federation,” while confirming Obasanjo as chairman and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as host.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar confirmed his arrival in a post on X, writing, “I have just arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the National Summit of all opposition parties.”
Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso also wrote, “Excited to arrive in Ibadan… ready for meaningful engagements with fellow national leaders.”
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Among early arrivals are former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening opposition collaboration and mapping out a coordinated political direction ahead of future elections.
According to reports, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, and former lawmaker Usman Bugaje are scheduled to speak on the challenges of sustaining democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
A former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mike Igini, will present a paper on ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, while political economist Pat Utomi will discuss building a productive and efficient national economy.
Security expert Kabir Adamu is expected to examine “the tragedy of widespread insecurity in Nigeria.”Nigeria travel guide
Organisers say the summit is widely seen among opposition figures as a crucial step toward building consensus and presenting a credible alternative ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress alleged in a separate post on X that the ruling party was planning to disrupt the summit.
“We have uncovered plans by the ruling APC to disrupt the summit being held by the opposition parties in Ibadan, Oyo State, today, the 25th of April.
“After denying us the use of venues in Abuja, they now will not leave us alone to hold our meetings.
“They say they are not scared, but they are behaving like people who are terrified. But we will not be deterred, because we are on the side of the Nigerian people,” the statement read.
As of press time, the All Progressives Congress had not responded to the allegation, and efforts to reach its spokesperson, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful.
In another post, the ADC highlighted the presence of Rotimi Amaechi alongside former Kano State Deputy Governor Nasiru Gawuna and other senior members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement at the summit.
“The summit sets the stage for a strategic tightening of ties between key political blocs,” the party stated.
