Opposition leaders unite in Ibadan, vow to challenge Tinubu,  resist ‘One-Party State’ in 2027

Prominent figures from various opposition political parties across Nigeria have declared their resolve to resist any attempt to present President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.

The declaration was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a high-level meeting tagged the “National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders,” held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.

The summit was hosted by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and drew attendance from several prominent political heavyweights across party lines.

Among those present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Minister of Information Jerry Gana, activist Aisha Yesufu, political economist Pat Utomi, and former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung.

Also in attendance were former governors including Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Abdulfatai Ahmed, Rotimi Amaechi, and Babangida Aliyu, among others.

In the communiqué, the opposition leaders expressed concern over what they described as efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to edge Nigeria toward a one-party state. They pledged to defend the country’s multi-party democratic structure.

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The communiqué stated in part: “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.

“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.

“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 opposition leaders also stated that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, should not be allowed to conduct the 2027 general elections, though no further details were provided in the communiqué.

The summit marks one of the most coordinated efforts yet by opposition figures to forge a united front ahead of the 2027 polls, signaling the possibility of a coalition strategy aimed at mounting a formidable challenge to the ruling party.