Opposition parties in Nigeria have declared to field a presidential candidate in 2027, outlining their resolve to challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The position formed part of the communiqué, issued at the end of a national summit held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Opposition parties unite for 2027
In the communiqué, the opposition parties vowed not to back down despite what they described as “onslaughts and manoeuvrings” by the APC to impose Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate in the next presidential election.
The statement read: “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 opposition parties further disclosed plans to work towards presenting a single 2027 presidential candidate, agreed upon and supported by all participating parties, in a bid to strengthen their chances at the polls.
Democracy concerns, INEC leadership challenged
Raising concerns about Nigeria’s democratic space, the parties accused the ruling party of attempting to foist a one-party state on the country, insisting they would resist such moves.
“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,” the communiqué stated.
The summit also took a swipe at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, alleging bias by its chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, and calling for his removal from overseeing the 2027 elections.
In addition, the opposition parties demanded an immediate review of the Electoral Act 2026 by the National Assembly, arguing that certain provisions threaten electoral integrity.
Calls for reforms, political inclusion
The parties also called for the release of politicians allegedly detained over bailable offences, stressing the need for inclusivity and respect for fundamental rights.
They rejected recent INEC guidelines, describing them as obstacles deliberately designed to disadvantage opposition parties, and demanded an extension of the deadline for party primaries to the end of July 2026.
The summit commended Nigerians for their resilience and expressed appreciation to Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the event.
