By Our Correspondent
Fourteen opposition parties in Nigeria have agreed to form a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections, resolving to field a single consensus presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision was reached at a national summit held at the Banquet Hall of Agodi Government House in Ibadan, hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The gathering brought together key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and ex-Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, among others.
Participating parties included the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and several smaller parties.
Ibadan Declaration
Reading the nine-point communiqué, tagged the “Ibadan Declaration,” PDP National Chairman Taminu Turaki described the coalition as an “existential necessity” to rescue Nigeria from what the parties called APC’s tightening grip on power.
The opposition bloc warned against the emergence of a one-party state and pledged to rally behind a single candidate for the 2027 presidential race.
“We shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate… to rescue our nation and her long-suffering masses,” the communiqué stated.
Call for INEC Chairman’s Removal
The coalition also passed a vote of no confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, accusing him of partisanship in favour of the ruling party.
They demanded his immediate replacement with a neutral figure, warning that his continued stay in office could undermine electoral credibility and trigger national instability.
Other Key Demands
The opposition parties further called on the National Assembly to amend contentious provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 and urged INEC to extend the deadline for party primaries to the end of July 2026.
They also demanded the release of politicians allegedly detained on bailable offences, describing such actions as violations of fundamental rights.
Leaders Speak
In his address, Makinde cautioned that Nigeria was drifting toward autocracy, saying that democracy thrives on genuine political alternatives.
“Democracy is not a one-party show,” he said. “Once citizens lose real choices, democracy becomes a mere name.”
ADC National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark criticised recent cabinet changes by President Tinubu, describing them as an admission of failure.
He insisted that the opposition’s unity signalled a turning point, framing the 2027 election as “a contest between the APC and the Nigerian people.”
The summit, attended by a broad spectrum of political leaders, activists, and stakeholders, is being seen as a significant step toward a possible mega-coalition that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
Tags: Nigeria politics, APC, PDP, Labour Party, ADC, 2027 elections, coalition, INEC, Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Seyi Makinde, Ibadan Declaration
