Leaders of major opposition parties have agreed to present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election in a bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu and strengthen democratic competition.
The resolution was reached on Saturday at a national summit of opposition figures held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, Ibadan, and hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The meeting, themed “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” brought together key stakeholders from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Labour Party and other political blocs.
Reading the communiqué, a factional National Chairman of the PDP, Kabiru Tanimu-Turaki, said the coalition resolved to close ranks and rally behind a consensus candidate ahead of the polls.
He noted that the decision was aimed at boosting the opposition’s electoral chances amid what he described as attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress to present President Tinubu as its sole candidate.
“Despite the onslaughts and machinations of the ruling party to ensure that President Bola Tinubu emerges as the sole candidate, we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 elections,” Turaki said.
He added, “We shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties, to rescue our nation and our long-suffering masses.”
The summit also called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, alleging bias in favour of the ruling party.
According to the opposition leaders, Amupitan’s continued stay in office could erode public confidence in the electoral system and heighten political tension ahead of the elections.
They said, “Having shown bias and open partisanship, he should not conduct the 2027 general election. Nigerians have lost confidence in his ability to guarantee neutrality and credible polls.”
Prominent figures at the meeting included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, among others.
Also in attendance were Professor Jerry Gana, activist Aisha Yesufu, Professor Pat Utomi, and several former governors and party chieftains.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was billed to chair the event, was absent.
The coalition said it would intensify consultations in the coming months to actualise its plan and present a formidable front capable of challenging the ruling party in 2027.
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