Atiku, Kwankwaso, Amaechi Storm Ibadan as Obasanjo Leads Opposition Unity Summit

Heavyweights of Nigeria’s opposition converged on Ibadan on Saturday for a high-stakes summit aimed at forging a united front ahead of future elections.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi were among top figures who gathered at the Government House Banquet Hall, Oyo State.

The summit, themed _“That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,”_ was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) attended.

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Both Atiku and Kwankwaso confirmed their arrival in separate posts on X, saying they were ready to push for a more coordinated opposition.

Organisers said the summit was convened in response to Nigeria’s mounting socio-economic and security challenges.

The goal: deepen collaboration among opposition blocs and present a credible alternative political direction.

The agenda features key policy voices:

1. *Chidi Odinkalu, Usman Bugaje, and Pat Utomi* – democratic governance and economic reform.
2. *Mike Igini* – electoral integrity.
3. *Kabir Adamu* – national security challenges.

The meeting opened under a cloud after the ADC alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) planned to disrupt proceedings.

The APC had not officially responded to the claim at the time of filing this report.

With Nigeria’s next election cycle on the horizon, the Ibadan gathering marks one of the most high-profile attempts yet to unify disparate opposition parties.

Whether the Obasanjo-led talks translate into a lasting coalition remains to be seen, but the optics of Atiku, Kwankwaso, Amaechi, and Makinde in one room signals serious intent.

Deliberations were ongoing at press time.