Rauf Aregbesola, the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has announced that opposition political parties in Nigeria are preparing to convene a multi-party summit. The objective of this gathering is to strategise for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Mr. Aregbesola, who previously served as the governor of Osun State, indicated that the planned summit aims to bolster the strength of opposition parties and cultivate unity among them as they prepare to confront the incumbent administration.
He shared these details during the ADC's national convention held in Abuja on Tuesday. The convention was organized by a faction of the party led by former Senate President David Mark.
"A multi party summit is being planned for a broader engagement of all opposition parties on the imperative of a united opposition front for the 2027 election," Mr. Aregbesola stated.
He further accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately targeting prominent opposition voices. Mr. Aregbesola alleged that government agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), are being instrumentalised to intimidate opposition members.
"It is very sad and disheartening that the ruling party and its administration has resorted to cheap blackmail and discretatory persecution of politicians and personalities. State agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, DSS (SSS) have been weaponised against the opposition and their members. They are being scared with incriminating charges and crimes," he elaborated.
Mr. Aregbesola also drew a parallel between the current government's actions and the foundational ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent opposition leader. He questioned the authenticity of claims by members of the ruling party to be emulating Awolowo.
"The people who are doing these claim to be proteges of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a foremost principled opposition leader in Nigeria. It is doubtful if this claim can be justified in light of their acts in government. It is important to remind them of the philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
"A democracy without opposition is an autocracy. Vibrant, principled and determined opposition is the heart and soul of democracy. Nigeria must remain a republic. We say boldly and clearly no coronation in Nigeria. We’re a republic," he concluded.
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