BREAKING: Obasanjo Contacted But Stayed Away From Summit – Utomi Reveals

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Pat Utomi, has clarified that former President Olusegun Obasanjo did not play any formal role in the recent opposition coalition summit held in Ibadan, despite public assumptions suggesting otherwise.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on April 25, 2026, Utomi explained that although Obasanjo was widely linked to the event, he neither attended nor directly participated in its proceedings. His remarks provided a clearer perspective on the former president’s level of involvement, which had previously been subject to speculation.

“President Obasanjo did not play any specific role. I talked with him, but he didn’t show up,” Utomi said.

The clarification comes amid increased attention surrounding the Ibadan summit, where opposition figures from various political parties gathered to deliberate on strategies ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. A key outcome of the meeting was the proposal to present a unified presidential candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge to the ruling party.

Obasanjo’s perceived association with the summit had initially been interpreted by some observers as a sign of high-level endorsement for the coalition effort. However, Utomi’s comments indicate that while the former president may maintain an interest in national political developments, he was not directly involved in shaping the decisions reached at the meeting.

The situation highlights the evolving nature of opposition collaboration in Nigeria, as political actors work to balance influence, public perception, and strategic coordination. It also reflects the complexities involved in building a cohesive alliance capable of presenting a united front in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.