Former President Obasanjo, Atiku, Peter Obi, and other key political figures met in Abuja for Emeka Ihedioha’s 60th birthday. The event follows recent talks on an opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, fueling speculation about political realignments in Nigeria’s leadership.
Prominent Nigerian political figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Governors Aminu Tambuwal and Rotimi Amaechi, gathered in Abuja on Monday to celebrate the 60th birthday of former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha.
The colloquium, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, was chaired by Obasanjo and brought together key opposition figures, sparking speculation about potential political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, shared his appreciation for Ihedioha, calling him a “patriot and long-standing associate.” He described the birthday as an opportunity to reflect on Ihedioha’s contributions to national development while praying for his continued good health and service to humanity.
The gathering comes just days after Atiku, Ihedioha, and other opposition figures, including a representative of Peter Obi, held a press conference at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. Atiku hinted at a possible coalition of opposition parties to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
While the Abuja event was primarily a birthday celebration, analysts suggest that the presence of key political heavyweights underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen opposition alliances. Whether this informal gathering will lead to a structured political front remains to be seen, but it signals renewed strategic discussions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
