Labour Party chieftain Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, has held strategic talks with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Osun State Governor, in Lagos.
Aregbesola has been instrumental in shaping the ADC into a formidable opposition party, emphasizing the need for an ideologically driven platform that prioritizes public education, security, jobs, and good governance.
Although details of the meeting remain undisclosed, political observers suggest that it may not be unconnected to early strategic moves ahead of the 2027 general elections. The encounter, which took place at a private venue in Lagos, has already sparked speculations of possible coalition talks, cross-party alliances, and strategic positioning by both political figures.
OmoBarca, a prominent philanthropist and grassroots mobilizer, has consistently maintained visibility within the Labour Party and Ajeromi-Ifelodun politics, particularly among youths and community development groups. His engagement with Aregbesola, a seasoned politician, former Minister of Interior, and key national figure now steering affairs within the ADC, signals a growing appetite for broader political collaboration across party lines.
Sources close to the meeting revealed that discussions centered around governance challenges, the role of smaller parties in shaping Nigeria’s political future, and the need to build formidable alliances capable of presenting credible alternatives to the dominant political blocs. While neither OmoBarca nor Aregbesola has issued an official statement, their joint appearance underscores the intensifying behind-the-scenes maneuvers that usually characterize Nigeria’s pre-election seasons.
Political analysts in Lagos have described the meeting as “strategic and symbolic,” noting that both men share a reputation for grassroots appeal and bold political decisions. “OmoBarca has established himself as a force in Ajeromi-Ifelodun through philanthropy and direct engagement with the people, while Aregbesola brings years of political experience, national visibility, and party structuring expertise,” one analyst observed. “If their discussions evolve into concrete political collaboration, it could alter calculations in Lagos and beyond as 2027 approaches.”
The closed-door parley also comes at a time when opposition parties are under pressure to build consensus and avoid fragmentation ahead of future elections. The Labour Party, which gained significant traction in 2023, is seeking to consolidate its position, while the ADC has repeatedly emphasized the need for a “third force” coalition to give Nigerians more viable political options.
Meanwhile, community stakeholders in Ajeromi-Ifelodun have reacted cautiously, with some expressing optimism that the meeting could yield positive political dividends for grassroots development. Others have urged OmoBarca to remain steadfast in championing the interests of his constituency while navigating national-level alliances.
As Nigeria edges closer to another election cycle, the Lagos meeting between OmoBarca and Aregbesola highlights the shifting dynamics of opposition politics. Whether it evolves into a formal alliance or remains exploratory, it reflects the urgency among political actors to begin laying foundations for 2027.
For now, Nigerians and political watchers will keenly await official clarifications, but one thing remains certain: the race towards 2027 has already begun behind closed doors.
