The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has criticised political leaders who attended the opposition summit held in Ibadan on Saturday, dismissing the gathering as incapable of threatening President Bola Tinubu or changing the political balance ahead of the 2027 election.
Reacting through its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party took aim at Governor Seyi Makinde, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures present at the meeting, describing their coalition efforts as weak and lacking the strength to challenge the ruling party.
The summit, hosted by Makinde in Ibadan, brought together leading figures from several opposition parties to discuss possible cooperation and strategies for the 2027 general election, with focus on challenging the APC at the national level.
But the Oyo APC said the gathering posed no threat to the ruling party, insisting the opposition leaders lacked the political strength and unity needed to defeat Tinubu.
The party also accused some of the opposition figures of having poor records in governance and argued that the coalition talks would not produce the kind of alliance capable of changing the country’s political direction.
It further criticised Makinde over comments linked to the summit and warned against any form of political unrest, insisting the 2027 elections would be peaceful and credible.
The ruling party in the state also used the opportunity to defend Tinubu’s political standing, maintaining that the President remains ahead of his rivals and that opposition efforts to unite against him would not alter that position.
The Ibadan summit attracted major opposition figures, including Atiku, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, Liyel Imoke and other political actors, as well as leaders of several opposition parties.
The meeting has drawn attention because of growing talks around opposition collaboration ahead of 2027, with many observers watching whether the consultations could lead to a broader alliance.
While opposition leaders continue discussions around cooperation, the reaction from the Oyo APC shows the ruling party is already pushing back against any coalition effort aimed at challenging Tinubu’s re-election bid.
With political activity gathering pace ahead of 2027, the exchanges between the APC and opposition figures point to an early start to what may become an intense contest.