Ibadan Summit: Opposition Moves to Unite Behind One Candidate for 2027 Elections

Opposition leaders in Nigeria have agreed to work towards presenting a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, as they express concern over what they describe as increasing political dominance by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decision followed a national summit held in Ibadan on Saturday, attended by key figures including Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola.

Presenting the communiqué, PDP factional chairman Taminu Turaki said: “We shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party State on Nigeria…”

He added that despite perceived pressure from the ruling party, the opposition remains committed to contesting the elections: “We shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections.”

On their strategy, the parties stated: “We shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections… to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses.”

The communiqué also questioned the neutrality of the electoral umpire, saying: “The INEC Chairman… having shown bias… should not conduct the 2027 general elections.”

It warned that his continued tenure could “trigger widespread crisis in our nation.”

The opposition further called for urgent amendments to the Electoral Act, 2026, and urged the release of politicians allegedly detained over bailable offences.

They also criticised recent electoral guidelines as restrictive, calling for an extension of deadlines for party primaries.

Speaking at the summit, Governor Seyi Makinde warned that Nigeria’s democracy was being gradually weakened.

“Democracy… is not destroyed overnight… but weakened step by step,” he said, adding that “when opposition becomes ineffective, democracy itself begins to lose meaning.”

He stressed that democracy must offer real alternatives, warning that without this, it risks losing its substance.

“It is not a gang-up against one man… It is about the collective ambition of the Nigerian people,” Makinde said.

Pat Utomi, in his remarks, described the economic situation as deeply troubling.

“That contrast is not just troubling, it is absurd,” he said, referring to rising costs and low incomes.

“Leadership without character cannot build a nation,” he added.

Former Senate President David Mark described the moment as critical, urging unity among opposition parties.

“No single opposition political party… can confront a system so entrenched. We must be united,” he said.

He also raised concerns about insecurity, noting high levels of violence and kidnappings.

“The essence of democracy is to provide the people with a choice… however, the ruling party has done everything to deny the people of Nigeria this right,” he said.

Mark concluded that the opposition’s effort represents a broader struggle for the country’s future, stating: “This contest is between the ruling party APC, and the Nigerian people, we are on the side of the people.”

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