by Willy Okonji ~
Fourteen opposition political parties have agreed to present a single presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, in what they described as a decisive move to safeguard Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
The resolution, known as the Ibadan Declaration, was reached at a high-level national summit held on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, bringing together key opposition stakeholders.
Parties at the summit included the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Labour Party (LP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Alliance (AA), Democratic Liberation Alliance (DLA), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Reading the communiqué on behalf of participating party chairmen, PDP National Chairman, Taminu Turaki, said the coalition was formed out of “an existential necessity to rescue Nigeria from the stranglehold” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“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,” Turaki declared.
The bloc stated that its primary objective is to prevent Nigeria from drifting into a one-party state, accusing the APC of manoeuvring to position Tinubu as the sole viable contender in the next election cycle.
In a sharp critique of the electoral system, the coalition passed a vote of no confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, alleging partisanship in favour of the ruling party.
“The continued stay of the INEC chairman in office is vexatious and capable of triggering a national crisis,” the communiqué warned, demanding his replacement with a neutral figure to ensure credible elections.
The declaration also outlined key demands, including an immediate review of the Electoral Act 2026 to remove “objectionable clauses” said to undermine electoral integrity. The parties further called for an extension of the deadline for party primaries to the end of July 2026, describing existing timelines as restrictive.
Additionally, the opposition leaders demanded the release of politicians allegedly detained or harassed over bailable offences, framing such actions as violations of fundamental human rights.
“We commend the resilience of Nigerians in the face of state capture and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to multiparty democracy,” the communiqué added, vowing to resist any attempt to stifle political competition.
The coalition also acknowledged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for hosting the summit, describing the gathering as “an epochal event” in the build-up to the 2027 general election.
