Opposition leaders across Nigeria have agreed to close ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections, settling on a plan to present a single presidential candidate to challenge incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The resolution was reached at a high-level summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where political figures from different opposition parties converged to deliberate on the state of the nation and the future of its democracy. The gathering, themed “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy: A National Dialogue,” ended with the adoption of a joint communiqué known as the Ibadan Declaration.
Central to the agreement was the need to avoid a divided opposition, which participants noted has historically weakened their electoral chances. By uniting behind a consensus candidate, the leaders expressed confidence in mounting a more formidable challenge in 2027.
A leading figure within the opposition, Taminu Turaki, described the decision as both timely and strategic, stressing that unity remains the opposition’s strongest tool. He warned that Nigeria is facing deepening governance and security challenges, alongside declining public trust in democratic institutions.
In his remarks, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde raised concerns over what he described as a shrinking democratic space, cautioning against the dangers of a dominant one-party system. He emphasised that a vibrant opposition is essential to sustaining democratic balance.
Also speaking, former Senate President David Mark framed the coalition effort as a critical step toward national recovery. He noted that no single opposition party, acting alone, could effectively challenge the current political structure.
The communiqué issued at the end of the summit reaffirmed the opposition’s resolve to contest elections at all levels, while rejecting any moves that could undermine political plurality. The leaders insisted that Nigerians must be presented with credible alternatives at the polls.
Concerns were also raised about the credibility of the electoral process. Participants expressed a lack of confidence in the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for reforms to ensure transparency and fairness ahead of the elections.
In addition, the summit urged the National Assembly to revisit certain provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, including timelines for party primaries. There were also calls for the release of political actors allegedly detained for bailable offences, with speakers emphasising the importance of protecting civil liberties.
Throughout the discussions, participants repeatedly stressed that Nigeria is at a pivotal moment, requiring bold and collective action to preserve its democratic institutions.
The summit drew an array of prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, political economist Pat Utomi, and elder statesman Jerry Gana, among others.
The Ibadan meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen collaboration, rebuild public confidence, and present a united front in the 2027 elections
