Fresh cracks have emerged within Nigeria’s opposition bloc following a high-profile summit in Ibadan, as key political parties and factions distanced themselves from the gathering and rejected plans for a unified presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Factions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and Accord Party have all disowned the summit, insisting it does not reflect their official positions. The groups reaffirmed their intention to field separate presidential candidates against incumbent Bola Tinubu in 2027.
PDP faction disowns summit, alleges ‘impostors’
The PDP National Working Committee, aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, described organisers of the summit as “impostors,” claiming that prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi were misled into attending.
According to PDP spokesperson Jungudo Mohammed, the party has not entered into any coalition talks and maintains it remains the leading opposition platform capable of independently challenging the ruling party.
ADC factions, Labour Party also pull back
Divisions were equally evident within the ADC, as rival camps linked to Dumebi Kachikwu disassociated themselves from the meeting. Both factions insisted the party would pursue its own electoral strategy rather than join any coalition arrangement.
Similarly, the Labour Party leadership under Nenadi Usman clarified it had no involvement in the summit, noting that its current focus is internal restructuring ahead of its convention.
Accord Party threatens legal action
The Accord Party, led by Chris Imumolen, went further by condemning the alleged use of its name and symbol at the summit without authorisation. The party issued a 48-hour ultimatum to organisers, warning of possible legal action over what it described as “political impersonation.”
Summit communique vs reality
At the summit, convened with backing from Seyi Makinde, opposition figures had announced plans to present a single presidential candidate to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Participants also warned against what they described as attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
However, the swift rejection by multiple parties has cast doubt on the viability of any united opposition front.
APC fires back
The APC dismissed the summit as ineffective, accusing opposition leaders of political opportunism and internal disarray. The ruling party also criticised Governor Makinde over his reference to the historic Operation Wetie, describing the remarks as reckless and potentially inciting.
Deepening opposition fragmentation
The fallout from the Ibadan meeting underscores persistent divisions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, with legal battles, leadership disputes, and competing ambitions continuing to undermine coalition efforts.
With 2027 still on the horizon, the latest developments suggest that forming a united front against the APC remains a distant and uncertain goal.
