Leaders of Nigeria’s major opposition parties have agreed to work towards presenting a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, in a bid to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The resolution was reached at a National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders held at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, where stakeholders across multiple parties deliberated on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, security, and economy.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde urged Nigerians to resist any drift toward a one-party system, warning that democracy could gradually erode if opposition voices are weakened.
He expressed concern over what he described as growing political concentration, noting that many state governments and legislative structures are increasingly aligned under one party. According to him, such a trend poses a risk to political competition and accountability.
Makinde emphasized that democracy thrives on credible opposition, adding that the weakening of opposition parties whether intentional or due to internal crises—could undermine the entire system
Parties present at the summit included the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and several others.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the parties pledged to:
- Form a united front ahead of 2027
- Resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state
- Continue mobilising Nigerians around democratic ideals
They also commended citizens for their resilience amid economic hardship, insecurity, and social challenges.
The summit passed a vote of no confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, accusing him of bias and failing to guarantee credible elections.
Participants argued that recent electoral guidelines could hinder opposition participation and called for:
- Extension of the deadline for party primaries to July 2026
- Immediate review of the Electoral Act 2026 by the National Assembly
The summit drew several prominent political figures, including:
- Atiku Abubakar
- Peter Obi
- Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
- Rotimi Amaechi
- Aminu Tambuwal
Others included party leaders, former governors, ministers, and civil society actors
Speakers at the event highlighted structural issues affecting governance. Former electoral commissioner Mike Igini pointed out flaws in the Electoral Act, warning that unresolved issues could compromise future elections.
Security expert Kabiru Adamu called for reforms in the justice system and economy to tackle insecurity, while political economist Pat Utomi criticised economic inequality and governance priorities.
The summit concluded that only a coordinated opposition strategy—anchored on unity, discipline, and shared purpose—can effectively challenge the ruling party and restore confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of 2027.
