Opposition political parties in Nigeria have resolved to work towards producing a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections as part of efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and prevent what they described as attempts to impose a one-party state on the country.
The decision formed the major highlight of the “Ibadan Declaration,” a communiqué issued at the end of the Opposition Political Parties National Summit held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The parties said the resolution followed extensive deliberations on the political future of the country, the state of democracy, and what they described as the urgent need for collective action to rescue Nigeria from the grip of anti-democratic governance.
According to the communiqué, the opposition parties agreed that the only realistic path to defeating the ruling party in 2027 is through unity and a common front built around one widely accepted presidential candidate.
“That we shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses,” the communiqué stated.
The summit also resolved that all participating parties would resist any attempt by the APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, insisting that the country’s democracy must remain competitive and inclusive.
“That 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 statement added.
The opposition leaders further rejected what they described as efforts by the ruling party to position President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
They insisted that despite political pressure and institutional manipulation, they would actively contest the presidential election and other elective positions across the country.
“That despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party, the APC to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole Presidential candidate in 2027; we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections,” the communiqué noted.
The summit also raised concerns over the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for the removal of its Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, over alleged bias in favour of the ruling party.
The opposition parties argued that Nigerians had lost confidence in his neutrality and ability to conduct a free, fair, and credible 2027 general election.
They also urged the National Assembly to immediately review the Electoral Act 2026, especially provisions they said threaten the integrity of elections and contradict constitutional principles.
In addition, the parties called for the immediate release of political leaders allegedly being detained or harassed over bailable offences, stressing that democracy must guarantee participation and inclusiveness for all citizens.
They further described the recent guidelines issued by INEC as deliberate obstacles aimed at weakening opposition parties and demanded an extension of the deadline for party primaries until the end of July 2026.
“That we consider the recent guidelines released by the INEC as obstacles, deliberately engineered to impose conditions and deadlines on the opposition parties. We therefore demand that INEC extends the deadline for primaries till the end of July, 2026,” the communiqué stated.
The summit commended Nigerians for their resilience and support for opposition parties, while also thanking Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the people of Oyo State for hosting the gathering.
“The National summit of Opposition Political Parties thank the Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the epochal event,” the statement concluded.
