Ibadan Summit: Fear grips APC as opposition plots single presidential ticket

The decision by opposition leaders to field a joint presidential candidate against Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections has triggered widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape, exposing both momentum and deep divisions within and outside the coalition.

The resolution was reached at a high-level summit in Ibadan, hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, where leading opposition figures converged to forge a united front.

Key political heavyweights present included Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and David Mark, alongside other stakeholders across parties.

The coalition, largely anchored on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aims to consolidate opposition strength ahead of the next general election.

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which dismissed the alliance as a “coalition of confusion” and not a credible threat.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, condemned remarks attributed to Makinde at the summit, accusing the governor of invoking the violent legacy of “Operation Wetie” and describing it as reckless and capable of inciting unrest.

The party also took aim at opposition leaders, alleging internal contradictions within their ranks and questioning their credibility.

Top government officials, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, went further to dismiss the coalition as “dead on arrival,” arguing that the proposed merger lacks structure and political coherence.

Keyamo, in particular, questioned how parties would reconcile competing candidates across different elective positions while backing a single presidential flag bearer, warning that such an arrangement could create confusion and internal rebellion.

On the opposition side, reactions have been mixed.

Omoyele Sowore, leader of the African Action Congress (AAC), rejected the initiative outright, describing it as an attempt by “recycled politicians” to rebrand themselves. He declined participation, insisting his party would not be part of what he called a political charade.

In contrast, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) endorsed the move, describing it as a “historic realignment” capable of challenging the status quo and mobilising Nigerians dissatisfied with current conditions.

Socio-political group Afenifere also backed the idea in principle but warned that any alliance must be driven by clear ideology and pro-people policies rather than mere power-sharing arrangements.

Similarly, political elder Akin Osuntokun described the coalition as a positive development that could help prevent Nigeria from drifting into a one-party state.

Yet, cracks are already visible within the coalition itself. A faction of the ADC distanced itself from the Ibadan summit, with leaders insisting that internal party disputes must first be resolved before engaging in broader alliances.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) also disowned the process, claiming it was sidelined and not involved in the Ibadan declaration.

Adding another layer, APGA founding chairman Chekwas Okorie described the plan as a strategic counter to APC dominance but cautioned that its success would depend entirely on implementation and sincerity among participants.

The unfolding scenario highlights a familiar paradox in Nigerian politics: while opposition unity appears strong in theory, translating it into a cohesive, disciplined structure remains the real test.

As 2027 approaches, the battle lines are becoming clearer—not just between the ruling party and the opposition, but within the opposition itself.

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