A significant political rift has emerged within Nigeria's opposition bloc as factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and Accord Party have disowned the recent Ibadan opposition summit. These groups insist they were neither represented at the gathering nor bound by its resolutions.
The factions have separately declared their intentions to field their own presidential candidates for the 2027 general elections, despite discussions at the summit that suggested a possible united front against President Bola Tinubu.
Wike-aligned PDP Dismisses Summit Participants as Impostors
The PDP faction aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, strongly rejected the legitimacy of the Ibadan gathering. It accused the organisers of misrepresenting the party.
Speaking on behalf of the faction, National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed stated that those who attended in the PDP's name were not authorised representatives. "We cannot be part of that arrangement, not because we are against alliances, but because those who went there did not represent the PDP," he said. He further maintained that the party remains committed to producing its own presidential candidate and has not entered into any coalition agreement with other opposition groups.
ADC Factions Distance Themselves from Coalition Talks
Both factions of the ADC also disowned the summit. The Interim National Chairman Kingsley Ogga-led group insisted it was not involved in the meeting or its outcomes. Ogga stressed that the party should first resolve its internal disputes before considering alliances. "Our group was not part of that opposition summit, and we do not support its resolutions," he said.
Similarly, the Nafiu Gombe-led faction rejected the agreement for a joint presidential candidate, insisting the party would contest independently in 2027. According to Bala Kumo, Chief of Staff to the factional chairman, "We are not part of any arrangement to present a single candidate. The ADC will field its own candidate across all elective positions."
Labour Party Prioritises Internal Restructuring
The Labour Party also distanced itself from the Ibadan meeting, saying its leadership is focused on internal consolidation ahead of its upcoming convention. Interim National Chairman Nenadi Usman, through her aide Ken Asogwa, stated that coalition discussions are not a priority for the party at this stage. "For now, we are focused on stabilising our party structure. Any coalition decision in future will be communicated officially," he said.
Accord Party Threatens Legal Action Over Alleged Impersonation
The Accord Party went further to reject any association with the summit, alleging that its identity had been used without consent. Party leader Prof Chris Imumolen warned that legal action could follow if the situation is not addressed. "The Accord Party was not part of that meeting and did not authorise the use of its name or symbol. This is a misrepresentation, not an oversight," the party said. It added that it remains focused on presenting its own presidential candidate in 2027 and will not be drawn into unauthorised alliances.
Opposition Summit Called for Joint Ticket Against APC
Despite the widespread rejection, the Ibadan summit had earlier produced a communiqué in which participating opposition figures reportedly agreed to consider presenting a single presidential candidate to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Prominent political figures at the meeting included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors, and other senior opposition leaders. The communiqué also warned against moves that could push Nigeria towards a one-party system.
APC Dismisses Opposition Coalition
Reacting, the APC dismissed the summit as politically inconsequential and criticised remarks made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde during the event, accusing him of inflammatory rhetoric. The ruling party argued that the opposition alliance lacks unity and a credible alternative agenda for governance. "The opposition is not offering Nigerians any clear vision; they are simply recycling grievances," APC spokesperson Felix Morka said.
PDP Factions Clash Over Interpretation of Makinde's Remarks
Meanwhile, differing PDP factions also disagreed over Makinde's comments referencing historical political unrest. One group described it as a cautionary reminder, while another condemned it as inappropriate political rhetoric. The controversy has further deepened divisions within Nigeria's opposition landscape as parties head towards the 2027 electoral cycle.
In a related development, Makinde renamed a popular road that he had earlier named after Wike, a move that has elicited mixed reactions. Makinde and Wike, who worked together ahead of the 2023 general elections, have been at loggerheads over the control of the PDP leadership.
