Opposition parties African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a faction of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have reached an agreement to field a joint candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The announcement was made on April 25, 2026, during a congress in Ibadan, Oyo State, hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Opposition Coalition to Challenge APC
The coalition stated that the decision was driven by a desire to prevent the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from turning Nigeria into a one-party state. The meeting was attended by ADC leaders, including its chairman and former Senate President David Mark, as well as members of the PDP faction led by Governor Makinde. The resolution was read by PDP faction chairman Kabiru Turaki, who declared, “We will field only one presidential candidate that will be agreed upon by all opposition parties.”
Demand for INEC Chairman's Resignation
At the press conference, the opposition parties also called for the resignation of INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, who has been accused of operating a now-deleted X (formerly Twitter) account where he expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's victory in the 2023 elections. The ADC had previously demanded his resignation after the commission announced it would no longer recognize the David Mark-led executive, following a Court of Appeal decision in a suit filed by former ADC deputy chairman Honourable Nafiu Bello, who is claiming the chairmanship.
Political Heavyweights in ADC
Despite internal crises, the ADC remains a leading opposition party, boasting several political heavyweights. These include former presidential candidates Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi, all of whom are expected to vie for the party's ticket. Other notable members include former governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto).
PDP Faction's Strategy
The PDP faction led by Seyi Makinde, which has been at odds with the Nyesom Wike-led faction, aims to combine forces with the ADC to unseat the APC, which they accuse of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. As the 2027 elections approach, political maneuvering continues to intensify, with incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC seeking a second term.
