Opposition parties have agreed to present a unified presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections, as part of efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and halt what they describe as a drift toward one-party dominance.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after a national summit held in Ibadan, where leaders adopted the “Ibadan Declaration.” The document outlines a joint commitment to “rescue” the country from what they termed the APC’s “oppressive and anti-democratic” control.
According to the declaration, despite alleged moves by the ruling party to position Bola Tinubu as the sole contender in 2027, opposition parties will participate fully in the elections. They also pledged to work together toward selecting one consensus presidential candidate to be backed across party lines.
The summit, hosted by Seyi Makinde, brought together prominent political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was reported to have chaired the meeting.
Participants accused the APC of attempting to entrench one-party rule and vowed to defend Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
They also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for its chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, to step aside from overseeing the 2027 elections over alleged bias. The communiqué warned that retaining him could spark a national crisis due to declining public trust.
In addition, the opposition urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that certain provisions undermine electoral integrity and conflict with constitutional standards.
They further demanded the release of politicians allegedly detained over bailable offences and called on INEC to extend the deadline for party primaries to the end of July 2026, describing existing timelines as restrictive.
The parties concluded by commending Nigerians for their resilience and expressing readiness to work with citizens to address what they described as state capture, while also appreciating Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the summit.
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