Cracks within Nigeria’s opposition bloc widened on Sunday as factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and Accord Party publicly distanced themselves from the high-profile Ibadan opposition summit, rejecting its resolutions and legitimacy.
The summit, held in Ibadan, Oyo State, had produced a communique proposing a unified opposition front and a single presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. However, key stakeholders across multiple parties insist the gathering does not reflect their official positions.
The PDP National Working Committee aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, dismissed the meeting as illegitimate, accusing its conveners of misleading prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and other opposition leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the faction, PDP National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed described attendees claiming to represent the party as “impostors,” stressing that the PDP had not entered into any coalition or alliance discussions. He reaffirmed that the party would independently field its own presidential candidate in 2027.
Similarly, divisions within the ADC came to the fore as separate factions led by Kingsley Ogga and Nafiu Gombe denied any involvement in the summit. Both camps rejected the idea of a joint presidential ticket, emphasizing the need to resolve internal party crises before considering alliances.
The Labour Party also disassociated itself from the meeting. Its Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman, said the party’s priority remains internal restructuring ahead of its upcoming convention, adding that any future coalition talks would be communicated formally.
In a strongly worded response, the Accord Party condemned the use of its name and symbol at the summit without authorization. The party’s leadership described the act as “political impersonation” and issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding explanations from the organisers, threatening legal action if ignored.
Despite the backlash, the Ibadan gathering attracted several prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former governors such as Rauf Aregbesola, Liyel Imoke, and Aminu Tambuwal. The meeting was hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who warned against what he described as attempts to suppress Nigerians’ political will.
Makinde referenced the 1965 “Operation Wetie” crisis in Western Nigeria as a historical caution, a remark that triggered sharp criticism from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party accused him of inciting violence and described his comments as reckless and unbecoming of a sitting governor.
In a statement, APC spokesman Felix Morka said Makinde’s rhetoric posed a threat to national stability and called on security agencies to take the matter seriously. The ruling party also dismissed the opposition’s coalition efforts as disorganized, arguing that internal crises within opposition parties undermine their credibility.
The APC further alleged that key opposition figures have contributed to instability within their parties, citing disputes over leadership, zoning arrangements, and presidential ambitions.
Meanwhile, a rival PDP faction led by Tanimu Turaki defended the summit and Makinde’s remarks, insisting they were intended as a warning against political excesses and not a call to violence. The group accused the APC of fostering conditions that could lead to democratic backsliding and pledged to resist any move toward a one-party state.
With multiple parties reaffirming plans to field separate candidates, the prospect of a unified opposition ahead of the 2027 elections appears increasingly uncertain, underscoring deepening fragmentation within Nigeria’s political landscape.