IBADAN DECLARATION: Opposition Parties in Nigeria Set to Nominate Single Presidential Candidate for 2027 Elections
Opposition political parties in Nigeria have called for sweeping electoral reforms and greater unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, following a national summit held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the parties said they deliberated extensively on what they described as the collective threats and existential challenges facing the country under the All Progressives Congress, APC, and stressed the need for urgent action to rescue the nation and its over 200 million citizens.
The opposition parties resolved to resist what they termed attempts by the APC to impose a one party system in Nigeria, insisting that they would continue to defend multi party democracy and ensure political competition in the 2027 elections.
They also stated that despite alleged moves by the ruling party to position President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate in 2027, opposition parties would field candidates and participate in all elections.
The parties further announced plans to work towards presenting a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election, to be jointly agreed upon and supported by all participating opposition parties.
The summit also featured strong warnings from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who cautioned against what he described as a dangerous drift toward a one party state. He said democracy would lose its meaning if credible opposition voices are weakened or silenced.
Makinde said democracy should not be defined by the dominance of a single party but by the availability of real alternatives for citizens to choose from. He warned that when opposition parties become ineffective, democracy may exist in name but not in substance.
He stressed that a strong opposition is not a threat to government but a necessary foundation for accountability and good governance. According to him, allowing opposition voices to weaken through neglect or political manoeuvring would have severe consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Makinde also referenced Nigeria’s political history, recalling the “Operation Wetie” crisis of the old Western Region. He warned political actors against repeating past mistakes of intolerance and desperation that once led to political violence and instability in the region.
He noted that Ibadan has historically played a central role in Nigeria’s political development, describing the city as a longstanding hub for constitutional and political discourse dating back to the 1950s.
The governor clarified that the summit was not targeted at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or any individual, but was focused on safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic system and ensuring it remains competitive, open and accountable.
The summit was attended by several prominent political figures including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; One time Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Minister, Rotimi Amaechi; former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and other opposition leaders and stakeholders.
On electoral administration, the summit expressed a loss of confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, alleging bias in favour of the APC. They called for his removal from conducting the 2027 general elections.
The communiqué also urged the National Assembly to urgently review the Electoral Act, 2026, and demanded the immediate release of political leaders allegedly detained or harassed over bailable offences.
It further criticised recent guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing them as restrictive and called for an extension of the deadline for party primaries to the end of July 2026.
The opposition parties commended Nigerians for their resilience and thanked Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the summit.