Obasanjo joins galaxy of opposition politicians who gather in Ibadan to discuss Nigeria's woes

FORMER president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has joined an array of politicians from across Nigeria's political spectrum  who have convened in the Oyo State capital Ibadan to discuss opposing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year's elections.

Nigeria is due to go to the polls in May next year with incumbent, President Bola Tinubu expected to go for a second term. However, the opposition is fragmented with the main opposition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)m being controlled by the pro-Tinubu Federal Capital Territory minister Nyesom Wike.

Last year, several leading politicians including ex-vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, former senate leader David Mark and former ministers Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi formed a coalition called the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, there are problems here too as the former vice chairman of the party Nafiu Bala Gombe, got a court ruling recognising him as the authentic ADC leader and the matter is now pending before the Supreme Court.

With the prospect of there not being any serious opposition to the APC next May, members of Nigeria's political elite have decided to gather in Ibadan to debate the matter. Chief Obasanjo is listed to chair the meeting, which will included leaders of the PDP, ADC, New Nigeria Peoples Party and several other smaller parties.

Organisers said the meeting is serving as a strategic response to the socio-economic and security challenges currently facing the federation. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have both issued statements saying they are excited to be in Ibadan to attend the summit.

Former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, and a former member of the House of Representatives, Usman Bugaje, are both expected to speak on the challenges of sustainable democracy and good governance in Nigeria. Mike Igini, a former resident electoral commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, will present a paper on ensuring free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria, while Pat Utomi will discuss building a productive, dynamic and efficient national economy for Nigeria.

Kabir Adamu, a security and intelligence expert, will examine the tragedy of widespread insecurity in Nigeria. Organisers say the event is widely viewed by opposition figures as an important move toward building consensus and positioning a credible alternative ahead of future electoral cycles.

Meanwhile, the ADC has alleged that the APC is planning to disrupt the summit. The party issued a statement on X which read: “We have uncovered plans by the ruling APC to disrupt the summit being held by the opposition parties in Ibadan, Oyo State, today, the 25th of April.

“After denying us the use of venues in Abuja, they now will not leave us alone to hold our meetings. They say they are not scared but they are behaving like people who are terrified. However, we will not be deterred because we are on the side of the Nigerian people.”