Former President Olusegun Obasanjo to Chair Historic National Opposition Summit as Atiku and Amaechi Arrive in Ibadan

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo chairs the Ibadan summit as Atiku, Kwankwaso, and Amaechi arrive. Read about the opposition's plan for a united front.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 11:03 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Trust

Obasanjo Leads Unified Opposition Dialogue

In a significant political development, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has taken the chair at the National Summit of All Opposition Political Party Leaders in Ibadan. Hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government House Banquet Hall, the summit is organized under the theme "That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy." Obasanjo’s leadership at the event signals a high-level endorsement of the move to consolidate Nigeria's fractured opposition into a singular, cohesive front. Organizers describe the meeting as a historic intervention designed to address the nation's deteriorating security and socio-economic indicators while protecting the integrity of democratic institutions.

High Profile Arrivals and Public Support

The summit has attracted a vast array of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar arrived to a massive reception, later sharing footage on social media of crowds welcoming him to the Oyo State capital. He is joined by former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, both of whom are present at the venue. The convergence of these leaders—representing the PDP, NNPP, and elements of the APC—suggests a growing consensus that the current political landscape requires a "mega-coalition" strategy ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

Allegations of State Interference and Venue Denials

The lead-up to the summit has been marked by tension and allegations of state-sponsored disruption. Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), issued a statement on Saturday morning accusing the ruling APC of attempting to sabotage the gathering. Abdullahi claimed that the opposition was previously denied the use of multiple venues in Abuja, forcing the relocation of the summit to Ibadan. He further alleged that plans were in place to disrupt the proceedings in Oyo State, asserting that the ruling party is "terrified" of the opposition’s unified front.