Opposition leaders across Nigeria have agreed to present a united front in the 2027 general elections, resolving to field a single presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling APC.

The decision was a key outcome of a National Summit of Opposition Political Leaders held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where stakeholders gathered to address the country’s political and economic challenges.

The summit, themed “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy: A National Dialogue,” produced a joint communiqué known as the Ibadan Declaration, with participants warning that Nigeria’s democracy is under increasing strain.

Host governor Seyi Makinde cautioned against the erosion of democratic competition, noting that excessive concentration of power threatens pluralism.
“Democracy without opposition is not democracy; it is a slow drift toward a one-party state,” he said.

Factional PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki described the coalition move as both strategic and necessary, stressing that opposition disunity has historically weakened electoral outcomes. He warned that Nigeria is facing “progressive regression” marked by insecurity and economic hardship.

Former Senate President David Mark also framed the effort as a “national rescue mission,” insisting that no single opposition party can effectively challenge the current political structure alone.

In the communiqué, opposition parties reaffirmed their commitment to contest elections at all levels while rejecting any attempt to impose a one-party system. They stressed the need to present Nigerians with credible alternatives through a unified candidacy.

The summit also raised concerns over electoral integrity, passing a vote of no confidence in Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and calling for his removal ahead of the 2027 elections.

Participants further urged the National Assembly to review contentious aspects of the Electoral Act 2026 and extend party primary deadlines to the end of July 2026. They also called for the release of political actors allegedly detained for bailable offences, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and respect for rights.

Prominent figures at the summit included Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Pat Utomi, and Jerry Gana.

The leaders ended the summit with a commitment to deepen collaboration, rebuild public trust, and mount a coordinated challenge in the 2027 elections.