National opposition leaders on Saturday, April 25, 2026 converged at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House for a summit aimed at strengthening unity and coordination among opposition political parties.

The summit, themed “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” drew stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other political parties. Organisers described the gathering as a response to Nigeria’s prevailing socio-economic and security challenges.

The event, monitored by our correspondent, was attended by prominent opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, two-time Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, former Deputy Governor of Kano State Nasiru Gawuna, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Lagos State 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, among others.

Recall that the PDP, in a statement shared via its official X handle, described the meeting as a strategic response to the “socio-economic and security challenges currently facing the federation.”

In his welcome address, the host governor, Seyi Makinde, warned that a weakened opposition could undermine Nigeria’s democracy, urging political actors to remain united.

Read Also: Adeleke Launches Osun Security Trust Fund, Commits N300m to Boost State Security

He stressed that the meeting was not about division or confrontation, but about responsible political engagement across party lines.

“If we allow opposition to weaken, whether by design or neglect, then we all bear the consequences. So, this is not a movement for fragmentation, it is not a a movement for violence, and it is certainly not a movement to disengage politically.

“It is a movement to think clearly, to speak honestly, and to act with a sense of responsibility that goes beyond party lines,” he said.

Makinde added that Nigeria’s current socio-economic and security realities demand collaboration and honest dialogue among political stakeholders.

In his remarks, a factional national chairman of the ADC, David Mark, decried the state of insecurity in the country and accused the current administration of indifference to ongoing challenges.

He described the initiative as a “rescue mission” that must be anchored on honesty and unity among opposition parties to prevent the emergence of a one-party state.

“This gathering and our dealings must be anchored on honesty and integrity. We must put all our cards faced-up on the table and speak truthfully to one another. There must be no hidden agendas, no last-minute surprises, and no room for distrust,” he said.

Other speakers, including former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Chidi Odinkalu and former member of the House of Representatives Usman Bugaje, highlighted the challenges of sustaining democracy and ensuring good governance in Nigeria.