Opposition parties allege plot to disrupt Ibadan summit
Leaders of opposition political parties have gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State, for a summit aimed at building a united front ahead of future elections, amid claims of planned disruption by the ruling party.
The spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged in a post on X that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was plotting to frustrate the meeting taking place on Saturday.
Abdullahi said opposition groups had earlier been denied access to venues in Abuja and were now facing fresh threats over the Ibadan gathering. Despite this, he maintained that the meeting would go ahead, insisting the opposition was acting in the interest of Nigerians.
“We have uncovered plans by the ruling APC to disrupt the summit being held by opposition parties in Ibadan, Oyo State, today, April 25,” he said.
“After denying us the use of venues in Abuja, they still won’t allow us to hold our meetings. They claim they are not afraid, yet their actions suggest otherwise. We will not be deterred because we stand with the Nigerian people.”
As of press time, the APC had not responded to the allegation.
The summit, titled National Summit of All Opposition Political Party Leaders, is being held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Ibadan. It carries the theme, That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is chairing the event, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is hosting.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also confirmed his arrival in Ibadan in a separate post on X.
Organisers say the summit is designed to address Nigeria’s governance, economic, and security challenges while exploring collaboration among opposition parties.
Key speakers include Chidi Odinkalu and Usman Bugaje on democratic governance; Mike Igini on electoral integrity; Pat Utomi on economic reforms; and Kabir Adamu on insecurity.
The meeting comes amid heightened political activity and increasing calls for stronger coordination among opposition parties in Nigeria’s multi-party system. Organisers describe it as a strategic response to the country’s socio-economic and security challenges.
In recent months, the APC, led by President Bola Tinubu, has faced criticism from opposition parties and some civil society groups over alleged restrictions on political activities. The opposition claims there is a pattern aimed at limiting its ability to organise, an allegation the government has consistently denied.
The issue gained attention during preparations for the ADC National Congress, when the party reported difficulties securing venues in Abuja. Officials said some bookings were cancelled at short notice, forcing last-minute adjustments and raising concerns about possible interference, although no direct link to government authorities has been confirmed.
