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Opposition Summit: Tolu Babaleye Describes Event as ‘Assemblage of Comedians’
A Nigerian activist and lawyer, Tolu Babaleye Esq, has criticised the National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on April 25, 2026, dismissing it as an “assemblage of comedians” and a reunion of political vampires, looters, serial failures, and professional betrayers of the Nigerian people.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Babaleye described the gathering which produced the Ibadan Declaration (a seven-point communique) and was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo while hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde as a congregation of politicians who have been feeding on Nigeria’s resources since the return of democracy in 1999 without delivering meaningful development.
The activist listed and criticised several prominent figures who attended the summit: David Mark (former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress ADC), Atiku Abubakar (former Vice President), Rauf Aregbesola (former Osun State governor and ex-Minister of Interior), Dino Melaye (former senator), Peter Obi (former Anambra governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (former Kano governor, minister and senator), Rotimi Amaechi (former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation), Abubakar Malami (former Attorney General of the Federation), Seyi Makinde (Governor of Oyo State who hosted the summit), Bala Mohammed (Governor of Bauchi State), Aminu Tambuwal (former Sokoto State governor), Babangida Aliyu (former Niger State governor), Jerry Gana, Pat Utomi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and other leaders from parties including the ADC, Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He accused David Mark of failing to provide basic infrastructure like water and roads in his constituency while serving as a lapdog during the Jonathan administration.
Atiku Abubakar of the controversial $16 billion power sector expenditure during his time in office, questioning how he could now promise to fix electricity problems while many Nigerians still live in darkness; Rauf Aregbesola of allegedly mismanaging education, delaying salaries (earning the nickname “Halfusa”), and betraying his political mentor.
Dino Melaye of had no notable legislative achievements despite eight years in the National Assembly, with questions raised about the source of his wealth.
Mr. Peter Obi’s legacy in government was establishment of a beer brewery, while allegations were made about moving state funds in a bank where he had personal interest. Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso should be made to account for the persistent poverty and high number of street beggars in Kano while in government.
Rotimi Amaechi had been in government all his life, and Abubakar Malami has been accused of mindless looting, with multiple corruption cases linked to him.
Babaleye also described Seyi Makinde (who hosted the summit) and Bala Mohammed as “party-less politicians drifting like rudderless ships,seeking new platforms to pursue their 2027 ambitions.
The activist argued that the politicians had ample opportunities over two decades to fix Nigeria’s problems but failed to do so because “the problem is not the system but with them.
“They are not coming to rescue you. They are coming to rescue their own careers, their own fortunes, and their own access to the national treasury”, he stated.
He urged Nigerians not to be deceived by the communique or staged photographs, insisting that the country does not need to be rescued by its arsonists.
He called for a completely new generation of leaders who have never touched public funds or been involved in questionable contracts.
“Until we get such, it is better to make do with the present arrangement for another four years and plan instead of beginning another fresh 8 years under these marauding locusts masquerading as ‘Rescuers, he added
The activist urged Nigerians to reject the Ibadan gathering, describing it as “a reunion of bloodsuckers planning their next meal on the corpse of the nation.
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