Factions within Nigeria’s major opposition parties have distanced themselves from the recent Ibadan opposition summit, declaring that the meeting does not reflect their official positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Key blocs in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and Labour Party have all rejected the gathering, reaffirming their intention to field separate presidential candidates against Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The PDP National Working Committee, reportedly backed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, alleged that prominent opposition figures—including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi—were misled by what it described as “impostors” who convened the summit.
Within the ADC, factions linked to its 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu also denied participation. Separate camps led by Kingsley Ogga and Nafiu Gombe disassociated themselves from the meeting, underscoring deepening internal divisions.
Similarly, the Accord Party warned it could pursue legal action against individuals or groups claiming to represent it at the summit without authorization.
The Labour Party’s Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, also rejected the outcome of the high-profile gathering, where some political leaders reportedly agreed to present a single presidential candidate in 2027.
In response, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the summit as an attempt by opposition figures to exert pressure through what it described as political blackmail. The party also criticized Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, saying he was unfit to hold office over alleged inciting remarks referencing the historic “Operation Wetie” crisis.
The Ibadan summit, held in Ibadan, followed months of internal disputes and ongoing court cases within opposition ranks. A faction of the ADC, reportedly aligned with David Mark, had joined forces with a PDP bloc loyal to Governor Makinde and other political actors to explore the possibility of a united front.
Addressing attendees as host, Makinde cautioned the Federal Government against suppressing the political will of Nigerians, invoking the historical significance of Ibadan in past political crises.
Despite the summit’s ambitions, the widespread rejection by party factions signals continued fragmentation within the opposition, raising fresh doubts about the feasibility of a unified challenge in 2027.