Opposition political leaders are converging in Ibadan, Oyo State, for a national summit aimed at strengthening unity and coordination among political parties, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo listed as chair of the meeting.

Multiple reports on Saturday, as monitored by our correspondents, showed that leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party and other political parties were gathered in the Pacesetter State.

The summit, to be 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,” with organisers describing it as a response to Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.

In a statement shared via the Peoples Democratic Party’s official X page, organisers said the meeting is serving as a strategic response to the “socio-economic and security challenges currently facing the Federation,” while confirming Obasanjo as chair and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as host.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar confirms 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 says, “Excited to arrive in Ibadan… ready for meaningful engagements with fellow national leaders.”

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. Photo credit: Kwankwaso

Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Lagos State 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, are among early arrivals.

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour

The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening opposition cooperation and charting a coordinated political direction ahead of future elections.

According to the Cable, Former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, and a former member of the House of Representatives, Usman Bugaje, are expected to speak on the challenges of sustainable 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 in Nigeria, while Pat Utomi, professor of political economy, will discuss building a productive, dynamic and efficient national economy for Nigeria.

Kabir Adamu, security and intelligence expert, will examine “the tragedy of widespread insecurity in Nigeria”.

Organisers say the event is widely viewed by opposition figures as an important move toward building consensus and positioning a credible alternative ahead of future electoral cycles.

Rotimi Amaechi, with the former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nasiru Gawuna

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress, in a separate post on X, alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress 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 post read.

PUNCH Online reports that the APC had yet to respond to the allegation. Efforts to reach the party’s spokesperson, Felix Morka were unsuccessful as of press time.

ADC in a separate post also noted the presence of Rotimi Amaechi with the former Deputy Governor of Kano State Nasiru Gawuna, and other senior members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement at the Summit for Opposition Party Leaders.

“The summit sets the stage for a strategic tightening of ties between key political blocs,” the coalition party stated. (Saturday PUNCH, excluding headline)

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