Several factions of Nigeria’s opposition parties on Sunday rejected an opposition summit held in Ibadan, saying the gathering does not reflect their official positions and reaffirming plans to field separate presidential candidates against President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The dispute underscores deep divisions within the opposition following the high-profile meeting, where some political leaders reportedly agreed on efforts to present a joint candidate.
The summit, held Saturday in Oyo State, brought together figures from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Accord Party and Labour Party,along with other smaller parties and prominent politicians.
Among those present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Senate President David Mark, as well as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
In a communique issued after the meeting, participants warned against what they described as moves by the ruling All Progressives Congress to turn Nigeria into a one-party state and vowed to present a united front in the 2027 election.
However, multiple factions quickly disowned the summit.
A faction of the PDP aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike said the meeting was convened by “impostors” and insisted the party had not entered any coalition agreement.
“We are not part of it,” said PDP spokesperson Jungudo Mohammed, adding that those who attended did not represent the party’s leadership.
The faction said it would field its own presidential candidate and dismissed any claims of alliance discussions.
The ADC was also split in its reaction. One faction led by interim chairman Kingsley Ogga said it did not participate in the summit and opposed its resolutions, urging internal party restructuring instead of coalition talks.
Another ADC bloc led by Nafiu Gombe also rejected the outcome, insisting the party remains focused on fielding its own candidate in 2027.
The Labour Party said it did not attend the meeting, adding that it is currently focused on internal leadership arrangements ahead of its upcoming convention.
The Accord Party threatened legal action, alleging that its name and symbols were used without authorization.
The ruling APC also criticized the summit, accusing opposition leaders of political opportunism and condemning comments made by Makinde referencing historical political violence in western Nigeria.
APC spokesperson Felix Morka said the remarks were “reckless” and called on security agencies to take note, warning against any rhetoric that could threaten national stability.
Makinde has defended his comments, saying they were intended as a warning about the dangers of political exclusion and public anger.
The PDP faction supporting the Ibadan summit said the APC was misrepresenting the governor’s remarks and accused the ruling party of intolerance toward dissent.
Security agencies have not commented on the political disputes.
