Opposition parties have decided to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and prevent what they describe as a slide toward a one-party state.
Ibadan Declaration
In a communiqué issued at the end of a national summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, the parties adopted the "Ibadan Declaration," pledging collective action to rescue the nation from what they termed the "oppressive and anti-democratic" grip of the APC. The declaration states: "Despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party, the APC, to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate in 2027, we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 presidential and other elections."
The parties resolved to "work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties."
Key Opposition Figures Attend Summit
The summit, hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government House Banquet Hall, brought together key opposition figures including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was reported to have chaired the gathering.
Accusations Against APC and INEC
Participants accused the APC of machinations aimed at establishing one-party dominance and vowed to resist any such attempt while fighting for the survival of multi-party democracy. The declaration also took aim at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding that its chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, should not preside over the 2027 polls. "Having shown bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, Nigerians across the board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee the required neutrality," it said, warning that his continued stay in office could trigger widespread crisis.
Calls for Electoral Reform
The opposition called on the National Assembly to urgently review the Electoral Act 2026 to remove provisions they believe threaten the integrity of elections and contradict constitutional requirements. "That the National Assembly should immediately review the Electoral Act, 2026 to remove all sections that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the elections and run counter to constitutional provisions," it said.
They further demanded the immediate release of leading politicians detained or harassed over bailable offences, and urged INEC to extend the deadline for party primaries until the end of July 2026, describing recent guidelines as deliberate obstacles.
Appeal to Nigerians
The communiqué commended ordinary Nigerians for their resilience and expressed readiness to collaborate with the public to free the country from what it called state capture. It also thanked Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the event.
