Opposition parties in Nigeria have agreed to field a single presidential candidate in 2027 to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and halt what they call a drift toward a one-party system.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued on Saturday at the end of a national summit held in Ibadan, where the parties adopted what they termed the “Ibadan Declaration.”
In the document, the opposition groups pledged collective action to “rescue” the country from what they described as the “oppressive and anti-democratic” hold of the APC.
“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,” the declaration stated.
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The parties further resolved to “work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties.”
The summit was hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Government House Banquet Hall and attracted several prominent opposition figures.
Among those in attendance were former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former minister of transportation Rotimi Amaechi.
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo was reported to have chaired the meeting.
While no timeline was announced for selecting a consensus candidate, participants said further consultations would follow as part of efforts to build a united front ahead of the 2027 polls.