Opposition Unites, Targets Single Presidential Candidate for 2027

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Opposition Unites, Targets Single Presidential Candidate for 2027

By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo

Opposition political parties in Nigeria have resolved to close ranks and strengthen collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections, including plans to present a single presidential candidate.

The position was contained in a communiqué signed by chairmen of the participating opposition political parties at the end of a National Summit held on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Rising from the meeting, the parties expressed concern over the state of the nation and what they described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democratic system.

They declared their determination to resist any attempt to turn the country into a one-party state.

“We shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party state on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country,” the communiqué stated.

The opposition parties also rejected what they described as moves by the ruling party to dominate the 2027 elections, insisting they would fully participate in the electoral process.

“Despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate in 2027, we shall field candidates and contest the presidential and other elections,” they said.

The parties further agreed to work towards presenting a consensus candidate for the presidency.

“We shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties,” the communiqué added.

On the conduct of future elections, the parties raised concerns about the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for a change at the top.

“The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, having shown bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general elections,” the statement read, warning that his continued stay in office could “trigger widespread crisis” in the country.

They also urged the National Assembly to review the Electoral Act 2026, saying certain provisions undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

The communiqué further called for the release of politicians allegedly being detained or harassed over bailable offences, stressing the need to protect fundamental rights and ensure inclusiveness in the political space.

On recent electoral guidelines, the parties accused INEC of introducing measures that could disadvantage the opposition.

“We consider the recent guidelines released by INEC as obstacles deliberately engineered to impose conditions and deadlines on opposition parties.

We therefore demand that INEC extends the deadline for primaries till the end of July 2026,” the parties stated.

The summit commended Nigerians for their resilience and support for democratic values, and appreciated Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as well as the people of the state, for hosting the meeting.