Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso Join Forces as Major Opposition Leaders Convene in Ibadan to Plot 2027 Strategy

Nigeria's top opposition leaders gather in Ibadan to plot a coalition for 2027. Read about the mega-summit featuring Atiku, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 10:42 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

A United Front Against the Ruling Administration

In a landmark display of political realignment, the Government House Banquet Hall in Agodi, Ibadan, became the epicenter of Nigeria's opposition movement on Saturday. The national summit, hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, brought together a formidable array of political heavyweights with the explicit goal of coordinating a strategy to oust President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The atmosphere was one of urgent collaboration, as leaders from diverse ideological backgrounds signaled their intention to set aside individual ambitions in favor of a broad-based electoral alliance.

Broad Representation Across the Political Spectrum

The summit's attendance list reflects a nearly unprecedented level of cross-party cooperation. Representatives from over 14 political parties were present, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Notable figures in the hall included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, and former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. The presence of these three primary contenders from the 2023 election suggests that the previously fractured opposition is moving toward a unified structure to challenge the incumbency of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Intellectual and Activist Backing for Reform

Beyond partisan politicians, the summit featured a strong contingent of intellectuals and social activists, providing a policy-driven framework for the gathering. Speakers included renowned legal scholar Professor Chidi Odinkalu, political economist Professor Pat Utomi, and former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini. These figures addressed the "progressive retrogression" of the Nigerian state, focusing on electoral integrity, economic reform, and the preservation of democratic plurality. The participation of social activist Aisha Yesufu further underscored the summit's aim to connect high-level political maneuvering with grassroots civil society concerns.