Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential aspirant for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is reportedly displeased with the outcome of the Ibadan declaration, which aimed to present a single opposition candidate against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The declaration was made during the All Opposition Political Party Leaders summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Insiders Reveal Obi's Displeasure
According to sources cited by TheCable, Obi left the summit dissatisfied because a critical issue was left unaddressed. The long-standing principle of rotating power between the South and the North, known as zoning, was not mentioned during the summit. This omission, according to insiders, is a major concern for Obi and many southern stakeholders who believe that any credible opposition must address zoning.
The sources explained that the opposition's plan for a single candidate, without clarifying the candidate's region of origin, was a political compromise. They argued that avoiding the zoning issue was the real problem, and the silence on this matter masked underlying disagreements. Without a clear stance on zoning, the talk of opposition unity was deemed hollow.
Summit Outcome Criticized
“The summit ended politically as it was designed to. They did not achieve what they wanted. It ended without addressing the basic issue,” one source stated. Another added, “If they had gone further to say that the opposition would respect zoning, it would have been a different outcome. They only made a political statement for one candidate. The summit is as good as not achieving anything.”
Obi's silence following the summit further indicates his displeasure. Unlike his usual practice, Obi has not commented publicly on the Ibadan Declaration since the communiqué was released. His X account has remained conspicuously quiet on the matter for days after the event.
Obi Explores Alternative Options
Insiders disclosed that Obi is now looking beyond the summit and has kept communication lines open with Rabiu Kwankwaso. He is sticking to his original political calculations and exploring his options while awaiting the Supreme Court judgment on the ADC leadership. Additionally, Obi recently held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to discuss the 2027 elections. Some South East leaders joined the ADC presidential aspirant in a strategic consultation on Nigeria's future. Obi downplayed endorsement talk, focusing on strategic discussions with Jonathan.
Potential Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance
Reports also indicate that Obi and Kwankwaso may pursue a joint presidential ticket for the 2027 election. Their reported alliance focuses on securing northern support through a one-term power rotation deal. A newly formed pro-Obi-Kwankwaso group, the 'OK Movement', aims to galvanize support amid Nigeria's lingering challenges.
