APC Leadership Ridicules Atiku After Viral Ibadan Summit Photo Sparks Serious Cohesion Concerns

APC’s Ajibola Basiru ridicules Atiku Abubakar after a photo of him allegedly sleeping at the Ibadan summit trends. Read about the 2027 opposition unity plans.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 4:23 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Legit.ng

Viral Imagery Undermines Opposition Unity Narrative

A high-stakes gathering of opposition figures in Ibadan has been overshadowed by a viral photograph of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The image, which appeared to show the veteran politician asleep during the summit proceedings, was quickly amplified by the ruling All Progressives Congress to question the vigor of the emerging alliance. Ajibola Basiru, the APC National Secretary, shared the image on social media with a caption highlighting the apparent lack of attention from the opposition leader during the "all-important" discussions, shifting the public focus from policy to personality.

Commitment to a Unified Presidential Front for 2027

Despite the digital distractions, the Ibadan summit produced a communiqué outlining a significant strategic shift for the 2027 general elections. High-level participants, including Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, reached an agreement in principle to present a single presidential candidate. This collaborative effort is intended to strengthen multiparty democracy and prevent the consolidation of a one-party system, which host governor Seyi Makinde warned was a growing risk to the nation’s democratic health.

Dismissal of Coalition Strengths by Ruling Party Officials

The APC has consistently dismissed suggestions that the ruling party is concerned by the potential for a unified opposition bloc. Chieftains like Basiru have used the summit’s internal optics to reinforce their argument that the coalition lacks the necessary cohesion and strategic urgency to pose a genuine threat. By focusing on the Atiku incident, the APC has sought to frame the opposition’s efforts as uncoordinated and lacking the drive required for a successful national campaign.