2027: Opposition to present joint presidential candidate

Key opposition political leaders have resolved to field a single presidential candidate against President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections, adopting a joint communiqué that signals a new push for unity among Nigeria’s fractured opposition forces.

The resolution emerged from a National Summit of Opposition Political Leaders held on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State, themed “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy: A National Dialogue.” The gathering brought together prominent figures across party lines and culminated in the adoption of a joint communiqué, the Ibadan Declaration, which reaffirmed the opposition’s commitment to contest the 2027 elections at all levels and resist what participants described as attempts to impose a one-party state on Nigeria.

Leaders at the summit said the decision to rally behind a consensus candidate was driven by the need to prevent fragmentation of votes and consolidate opposition strength at the polls. Host governor Seyi Makinde, in his welcome address, warned of a steady erosion of democratic competition, arguing that the concentration of political power under one party threatens pluralism. Drawing on historical precedent, he cautioned against the return of a political climate reminiscent of Ibadan’s ‘wet e’ era. “Democracy without opposition is not democracy, it is a slow drift toward a one-party state,” Makinde said.

Factional PDP National Chairman Taminu Turaki described the push for unity as both strategic and necessary, warning that division had historically undermined opposition efforts. Citing worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions, Turaki said Nigeria was experiencing what he called “progressive regression.” “This is not a moment for silence or division; it is a moment for decisive action,” he said.

Former Senate President David Mark framed the summit as a national rescue mission, arguing that no single opposition party could confront the ruling structure alone. “We cannot confront the future as fragmented entities. This is the time to rewrite the story of coalition building in Nigeria,” Mark said.

Beyond the consensus candidacy plan, the Ibadan Declaration passed a vote of no confidence in Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Joash Amupitan, alleging bias and calling for his removal ahead of the 2027 elections. Participants also urged the National Assembly to review contentious provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, demanded an extension of party primary deadlines to the end of July 2026, and called for the release of political actors allegedly detained on bailable offences.

The summit drew a roster of senior opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, political economist Pat Utomi, and elder statesman Jerry Gana, among others.