The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has publicly mocked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over a viral photo showing him seemingly asleep during a major opposition summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday. The event, attended by prominent opposition figures, aimed to consolidate efforts toward a unified front ahead of the 2027 general elections. Basiru shared the image on his 𝕏 account, captioning it, “And the opposition leader slept at the all-important opposition summit,” drawing attention to what he described as a lack of seriousness from the opposition leadership.
The Ibadan summit brought together a wide array of influential political personalities from across Nigeria’s opposition landscape. Among those present were former Senate President David Mark, former Minister of Information Professor Jerry Gana, activist Aisha Yesufu, political analyst Professor Pat Utomi, and former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung. Also in attendance were former governors including Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto, Rabiu Kwankwanso of Kano, Abdulfatai Ahmed of Kwara, Rotimi Amechi of Rivers, and Babangida Aliyu of Niger State. The gathering was seen as a significant step toward building a cohesive opposition strategy to challenge the APC’s dominance in the upcoming elections.
Basiru’s post was not only a jab at Atiku’s apparent inattention but also a response to social media claims that the ruling party was rattled by the opposition’s growing unity. He used the image to underscore his belief that the opposition’s efforts were more symbolic than substantive, suggesting that their leadership lacked the focus and commitment needed to mount a credible challenge. The APC chieftain’s remarks have since sparked debate across social media platforms, with supporters applauding his boldness and critics accusing him of undermining national unity.
The summit in Ibadan is part of a broader series of consultations among opposition leaders aimed at selecting a single presidential candidate and forming a united political front. The move reflects growing frustration among opposition parties over the APC’s continued electoral success and increasing calls for a coordinated effort to prevent a repeat in 2027. While the APC has dismissed the summit as a publicity stunt, opposition leaders insist it marks the beginning of a new political era.
As Nigeria approaches the next general elections, the dynamics between the ruling party and the opposition continue to evolve. The Ibadan summit and Basiru’s reaction highlight the intensity of the political contest and the increasing use of social media as a battleground for influence. The coming months will reveal whether the opposition can translate these meetings into a real, unified force capable of challenging the APC’s stronghold.
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