2027: Opposition parties to present joint candidate against Tinubu

Opposition parties in Nigeria have resolved to present a single presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, setting the stage for a united challenge against President Bola Tinubu.

The decision was reached at a national summit held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan on Saturday, where leaders across major opposition platforms pledged to close ranks ahead of the 2027 general election.

Reading the communique, the factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taminu Turaki, said the opposition parties driven by a shared commitment to “rescue the nation” and address the challenges facing Nigerians.

The parties also vowed to resist what they described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to entrench a one-party system, insisting on the protection of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

As part of their resolutions, the opposition called on the National Assembly to urgently amend the Electoral Act 2026, particularly provisions they claim could undermine the credibility of elections.

They further expressed a lack of confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, accusing him of bias and questioning his ability to oversee free, fair, and transparent elections in 2027.

How Kwankwaso’s astrology claims raised eyebrows in Kano

The leaders also criticised INEC’s recently issued guidelines, describing them as restrictive and designed to disadvantage opposition parties. They demanded an extension of the deadline for party primaries to the end of July 2026.

The opposition leaders equally called for the release of detained political figures and others facing what they termed politically motivated harassment, arguing that such actions hinder democratic participation.

The opposition leaders, however, commended Nigerians for their resilience and urged continued support as they work toward a united front in the next presidential election.

Parties represented at the summit included the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Prominent political figures in attendance were Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Tambuwal, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, David Mark, and Pat Utomi, among others.