- participants expressed concern over what they described as mounting pressure on Nigeria’s democratic system
- Governor Seyi Makinde, who hosted the event, cautioned against the dominance of a single party
- Leaders at the summit said adopting a consensus presidential candidate would help prevent vote splitting
Opposition leaders across Nigeria have agreed to unite behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections in a bid to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the resolution was reached at a national summit held in Ibadan, where political figures from different parties gathered to discuss the country’s democratic trajectory and chart a common strategy ahead of the polls.
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At the meeting, participants expressed concern over what they described as mounting pressure on Nigeria’s democratic system, warning that urgent steps are needed to preserve political competition and institutional balance.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who hosted the event, cautioned against the dominance of a single party, noting that a weakened opposition could undermine democratic values.
Leaders at the summit said adopting a consensus presidential candidate would help prevent vote splitting and improve their chances of mounting a strong electoral challenge.
Former Minister Taminu Turaki described unity among opposition parties as essential, arguing that past divisions had reduced their effectiveness in national contests.
Similarly, former Senate President David Mark characterised the move as a collective effort to reposition the opposition, stressing that no single party could succeed alone.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting—referred to as the Ibadan Declaration, participants reaffirmed their intention to contest the 2027 elections at all levels and rejected any attempt to limit political competition.
The group also raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process, passing a vote of no confidence in Joash Amupitan and calling for reforms to strengthen transparency ahead of the polls.
Among other demands, the opposition urged the National Assembly to review aspects of the Electoral Act 2026 and extend deadlines for party primaries, while also calling for the release of political detainees held on bailable offences.
Prominent figures at the summit included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, and elder statesman Jerry Gana, among others.
The gathering ended with a commitment by opposition groups to strengthen collaboration, rebuild public trust, and present a unified front in the next general elections.
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