Ibadan Summit: Hayatu-Deen pinpoints only way opposition can beat APC, Tinubu
Politics Ibadan Summit: Hayatu-Deen pinpoints only way opposition can beat APC, Tinubu Published on April 25, 2026 By John Owen Nwachukwu googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); A leading presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has called for a united opposition front as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. Speaking on the sidelines of the National Opposition Summit in Ibadan on Saturday, the development economist warned that the scale and complexity of Nigeria’s current challenges require a coordinated and collective response beyond the capacity of any single party or individual. He stressed that unity among opposition forces is no longer optional, but imperative, if Nigerians are to be presented with a credible and viable alternative. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); “Nigeria is at a defining moment,” Hayatu-Deen said. “The deepening insecurity, the crushing cost of living and the steady erosion of democratic space demand a collective response. This is not about personal ambition, it is about national rescue.” Hayatu-Deen cautioned that continued fragmentation within the opposition would only entrench the status quo and prolong the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians. He therefore urged political leaders to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate a genuine commitment to collaboration, sacrifice and shared purpose. At the summit, the former presidential aspirant held consultations with key opposition leaders, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, host of the gathering, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi. He also engaged with the summit’s conveners, Professor Jerry Gana of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Kashim Imam, signaling growing momentum toward opposition alignment. Hayatu-Deen further noted that the 2027 elections present a critical opportunity to reset Nigeria’s trajectory, but only if opposition leaders are willing to place national interest above partisan and personal 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 added. Reaffirming his commitment to the ADC, Hayatu-Deen pledged to work with party leaders, stakeholders and like-minded Nigerians to build a broad-based coalition focused on restoring security, stabilising the economy and rebuilding public trust in democratic institutions. Don't Miss 2027: ‘Kebbi stands solidly behind Tinubu’s re-election‘ — Gov Idris You may like 2027: ‘Kebbi stands solidly behind Tinubu’s re-election‘ — Gov Idris 2027: We will resist attempts to make Tinubu sole candidate – Opposition leaders No right thinking Igbo will vote Tinubu over Obi in 2027 – ADC’s Nwosu 2027: I consulted Tinubu before resigning – Adelabu Video of man wearing Tinubu’s cap struggling to take selfies with Peter Obi goes viral Tinubu borrowing billions to invest in Nigeria’s infrastructure – Presidency replies Emir Sanusi