A major bloc of opposition politicians has agreed to work toward fielding a single presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, in a move aimed at strengthening their chances against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The agreement was reached at a national opposition summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where political leaders from different parties gathered to discuss the future of Nigeria’s democracy and strategies for the next election cycle.
Prominent figures at the meeting included Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside other influential politicians such as Seyi Makinde, Rauf Aregbesola, and Rotimi Amaechi.
The gathering ended with a joint resolution often referred to as the Ibadan Declaration, where participants agreed that opposition parties must unite behind a single candidate to avoid splitting votes in 2027. They argued that a divided opposition would weaken their chances at the polls.
Speakers at the event warned that Nigeria’s democracy was facing serious pressure and needed stronger political balance to remain healthy. Governor Seyi Makinde, who hosted the summit, stressed the importance of maintaining strong opposition voices in the country’s political system.
Other leaders, including former Senate President David Mark, described the move as a necessary step toward what they called a “national rescue effort,” insisting that no single party or candidate could effectively address Nigeria’s current challenges alone.
The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting also raised concerns about the electoral process, including a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission. The coalition accused the electoral body of bias and called for reforms ahead of the next general elections.
They also urged the National Assembly to amend parts of the Electoral Act and extend deadlines for party primaries. In addition, they called for the release of individuals detained over political-related offences, saying such actions were necessary to strengthen democratic inclusion.
The summit ended with a commitment from opposition parties to deepen cooperation and continue discussions on selecting a consensus candidate for the 2027 presidential race.
