Obasanjo, Atiku, Kwankwaso converge in Ibadan for opposition summit

Prominent opposition figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State, for a national summit aimed at strengthening unity among opposition parties.

 

The meeting, held 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 strategic response to Nigeria’s prevailing socio-economic and security challenges.

 

Obasanjo is chairing the summit, while Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is hosting the event.

 

Confirming his attendance, Atiku wrote on X, “I have just arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the National Summit of all opposition parties,” while Kwankwaso also signalled his participation, expressing readiness for “meaningful engagements with fellow national leaders.”

 

Other notable attendees include former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Labour Party chieftain Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

 

Organisers said the summit would focus on deepening cooperation among opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), as well as charting a coordinated political direction ahead of future elections.

 

Expected speakers include Chidi Odinkalu and Usman Bugaje, who will address governance and democratic sustainability, while former INEC commissioner Mike Igini is billed to speak on credible elections. Economist Pat Utomi will discuss economic reforms, and security expert Kabir Adamu will examine Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.

 

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was plotting to disrupt the summit.

 

“We have uncovered plans by the ruling APC to disrupt the summit… but we will not be deterred,” the party said in a statement posted on X.

 

As of press time, the APC had not responded to the allegation.