Opposition rift narrative dismissed as leaders reaffirm 2027 single-candidate plan
*Ibadan resolution stands – ADC, PDP Sympathizers
Despite the back-and-forth, opposition leaders maintain that the Ibadan resolution stands, emphasizing unity among parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other stakeholders.
Supporters of Nigeria’s opposition bloc have dismissed reports suggesting internal divisions following the recent summit in Ibadan, insisting that plans to present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections remain intact.
The summit, held at the Government House in Oyo State, brought together prominent political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and David Mark, alongside other opposition leaders.
Participants at the meeting affirmed what they described as a firm agreement—not merely a proposal—to field a unified presidential candidate aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.
The stance comes amid reports that a faction within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), allegedly linked to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, rejected the single-candidate arrangement. However, opposition supporters have questioned the legitimacy and size of the group behind the reported rejection, arguing that it does not reflect the broader opposition consensus.
They further accused the ruling party and its allies of amplifying narratives of division to weaken the coalition’s momentum ahead of 2027.
Meanwhile, the APC has seized on the purported divisions within the opposition as reported, describing the opposition coalition as fragmented and lacking coherence. The party also dismissed claims made during the summit about a drift toward a one-party state, warning that such rhetoric could undermine national stability.
Despite the back-and-forth, opposition leaders maintain that the Ibadan resolution stands, emphasizing unity among parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other stakeholders. The ADC, in particular, reiterated that it has no internal faction and challenged those claiming otherwise to substantiate their position.
The Ibadan summit concluded with a pledge by opposition parties to work collaboratively to unseat the APC, framing their alliance as a necessary step to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 elections.
