At Ibadan Summit: Opposition Parties Resolve To Field Single Presidential Candidate In 2027
By Ademu Idakwo, Abuja & Adebayo Waheed, Ibadan
Nigeria’s opposition parties have taken a major step toward political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, agreeing in principle to present a single presidential candidate to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The resolution emerged as the key outcome of the Ibadan Declaration, a communiqué issued at the end of a national summit of opposition parties held on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In the communiqué jointly signed by the chairmen of participating parties, the opposition bloc said it would “work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections,” adding that such a candidate would be “agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties.”
The parties said the decision was part of efforts to halt what they described as a creeping attempt by the APC to entrench a one-party state and impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole viable candidate in the next election cycle.
“The survival of multi-party democracy in Nigeria is under threat,” the communiqué stated, pledging collective resistance against actions capable of undermining democratic plurality.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to participate fully in the 2027 elections at all levels, including the presidential poll, dismissing any suggestion of withdrawal or boycott.
The summit also took a firm position on electoral governance, demanding immediate reforms to the Electoral Act 2026.
The parties urged the National Assembly to remove provisions they said could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
In a more direct criticism, the opposition called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, accusing him of partisanship and bias in favour of the ruling party.
According to the communiqué, Nigerians had “lost confidence” in the INEC leadership, warning that his continued stay in office could “trigger widespread crisis” and undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.
The parties also rejected recent electoral guidelines issued by INEC, describing them as deliberate obstacles aimed at weakening opposition parties, and demanded an extension of the deadline for party primaries to the end of July 2026.
On civil liberties, the summit condemned what it described as harassment and detention of opposition figures on bailable offences, calling for their immediate release to ensure inclusive political participation.
The communiqué stressed that democracy cannot thrive where opposition voices are suppressed or intimidated.
The opposition parties commended Nigerians for their resilience amid economic and political challenges, expressing confidence in popular support for what they termed a “national rescue mission.”
They also appreciated Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state for hosting what they described as an “epochal event.”
The Ibadan summit marked one of the most coordinated efforts by Nigeria’s fragmented opposition to forge a united front ahead of a general election.
Observers note that translating the resolution into a workable coalition, particularly in agreeing on a single candidate, will test the cohesion and discipline of the parties involved.
Still, the declaration signals a shift in opposition strategy that could reshape the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race if successfully implemented, analysts say.
Earlier in his welcome address, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, raised concerns over the future of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the country risked a gradual slide into a one-party state if opposition politics continued to weaken.
🚨BREAKING: Watch The Video Clip Here ➤
