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Opposition political parties in Nigeria have announced plans to present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, in what they described as a strategic move to consolidate strength and challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made on Saturday by a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu-Turaki, at the National Opposition Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The meeting brought together key opposition figures and party leaders to chart a common electoral direction ahead of 2027.
Turaki said the decision was born out of the need to unify fragmented opposition blocs and improve their electoral competitiveness, despite what he described as alleged political manoeuvres within the ruling party aimed at consolidating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s position ahead of the polls.
He insisted that opposition parties would not be intimidated or divided, stressing that they remained committed to contesting all elective positions, including the presidency, in 2027.
According to him, “Despite the onslaughts and machinations of the ruling party, the APC, to ensure that President Bola Tinubu emerges as the sole presidential candidate in 2027, we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 presidential and other elections.”
He further disclosed that consensus had been reached among participating opposition parties to work towards presenting a single presidential candidate, describing it as a collective rescue mission for the country.
“Three, that we shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. We shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and our long-suffering masses,” he added.
The summit also issued strong criticism of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for the resignation of its Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, over alleged bias in favour of the ruling party.
The opposition leaders argued that his continued stay in office could erode public trust in the electoral process and trigger political instability ahead of the elections.
They maintained that neutrality at the helm of the electoral body was critical, warning that perceptions of partisanship could undermine confidence in the 2027 polls and deepen political tensions nationwide.
The Ibadan summit, which attracted prominent opposition figures including former Senate President David Mark, focused heavily on opposition unity, electoral reforms, and what participants described as the urgent need to “rescue Nigeria” from worsening economic and security challenges.
