There was cautious optimism on Saturday as opposition leaders converged on Ibadan, Oyo State, for a high-level meeting to shape strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The All Opposition Political Party Leaders summit, chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, brought together prominent figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi.
At the end of the meeting, leaders issued a communiqué, dubbed the “Ibadan Declaration,” agreeing to field a single presidential candidate to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
While the declaration signalled a push for unity, insiders say deep divisions remain unresolved, particularly over zoning.
Sources who spoke with The Cable indicated that Obi left the summit dissatisfied, largely because the issue of power rotation between regions was not addressed.
“The summit ended politically as it was designed to. They did not achieve what they wanted. It ended without addressing the basic issue,” a source said.
Zoning Debate Resurfaces
Zoning, a long-standing principle in Nigerian politics, remains a major sticking point.
Southern stakeholders, including Obi’s camp, insist the presidency should remain in the South in 2027, while northern figures, especially Atiku, are also seen as strong contenders.
Despite calls by some aspirants, including Amaechi, for the ticket to be zoned South, the summit communiqué was silent on the matter.
“Without a clear stance on zoning, the talk of unity is just hot air,” another insider noted.
Key questions remain unresolved, including whether Atiku would step aside for a southern candidate or whether Obi would accept a vice-presidential role.
Insiders said the omission of these critical details reflects a compromise that avoided confronting deeper disagreements.
“If they had gone further to say that the opposition would respect zoning, it would have been a different outcome… The summit is as good as not achieving anything,” the source added.
NOP NIGERIA noted that Obi has remained silent since the summit, deviating from his usual practice of commenting on political engagements.
Instead, he posted photos of himself playing tennis in Ibadan, a move insiders interpret as subtle dissatisfaction.
Obi playing tennis in Ibadan
Sources further revealed that key actors are already pursuing independent political calculations despite the show of unity.
Obi is said to be exploring options while awaiting a Supreme Court ruling on the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while maintaining communication with Kwankwaso.
Although the summit projected a unified front, the unresolved issues of zoning, ambition, and trust could undermine the coalition’s chances.
