Ibadan Summit: Hayatu-Deen calls for united opposition ahead of 2027 elections

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has called for a united opposition front as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

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Mr Hayatu-Deen made the call on Saturday on the sidelines of the National Opposition Summit held in Ibadan, warning that the country’s growing challenges require a coordinated response beyond the capacity of any single political party.

The development economist and banker said unity among opposition forces is no longer optional but necessary to present Nigerians with a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Nigeria is at a defining moment. Deepening insecurity, the rising cost of living and the erosion of democratic space demand a collective response. This is not about personal ambition; it is about national rescue,” he said.

He cautioned that continued fragmentation within the opposition would only strengthen the status quo and worsen hardship for millions of Nigerians.

According to him, opposition leaders must move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate genuine commitment to collaboration, sacrifice and shared purpose.

During the summit, Hayatu-Deen held consultations with key political figures across party lines, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who hosted the gathering, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.

He also met with the summit’s conveners, Jerry Gana of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Kashim Imam, in what observers see as part of ongoing efforts to build consensus within the opposition.

Mr Hayatu-Deen stressed that the 2027 elections present a critical opportunity to reset Nigeria’s trajectory, but only if opposition leaders place national interest above personal and partisan considerations.

“Nigerians are looking for leadership that is empathetic, unifying and capable of delivering real change. That responsibility rests on all of us in the opposition to come together and rise to the occasion,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the ADC and pledged to work with party leaders and stakeholders to build a broad-based coalition focused on restoring security, stabilising the economy and rebuilding public trust in democratic institutions.

The Ibadan summit comes amid increasing calls for opposition parties to form a united front ahead of 2027, following concerns that divided opposition votes could again benefit the ruling party.

Political analysts say efforts at coalition-building may shape the dynamics of the next general election, though challenges such as leadership rivalry, zoning arrangements and ideological differences remain key hurdles.