Opposition parties in Nigeria on Saturday agreed to work towards presenting a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, as they seek to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and prevent what they described as a drift toward one-party rule.
In a communiqué issued after a summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, the parties adopted the “Ibadan Declaration”, pledging united action to “rescue” the country from what they called oppressive and anti-democratic governance under the APC.
The declaration said participating parties would contest the 2027 presidential and other elections, while working to agree on one consensus presidential candidate backed by all members of the coalition.
The meeting, hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, brought together prominent opposition figures including former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra governor Peter Obi, former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi. Former president Olusegun Obasanjo was reported to have chaired the gathering.
The coalition accused the APC of attempting to entrench one-party dominance and vowed to defend Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
It also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for its chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, not to oversee the 2027 polls, alleging bias in favour of the ruling party.
The parties urged the National Assembly to urgently review the Electoral Act 2026, saying certain provisions threaten electoral credibility and conflict with constitutional principles.
They further called for the release of politicians allegedly detained or harassed over bailable offences and asked INEC to extend the deadline for party primaries until the end of July 2026.
