Opposition parties plan a single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections

Opposition leaders in Nigeria have agreed to work to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, as part of efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The decision was announced in a statement issued after a national summit held in Ibadan, attended by prominent opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi and Rauf Aregbesola.

Reading the statement, People’s Democratic Party factional chairman Taminu Turaki said the opposition would oppose what he described as attempts to create a one-party state and defend Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

The parties also expressed concern about the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission, calling for the removal of its chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, for alleged bias in favor of the ruling party.

Furthermore, the opposition has urged Nigeria’s National Assembly to urgently review the Electoral Law 2026, arguing that some provisions could undermine the credibility of future elections.

Host governor Seyi Makinde has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is gradually weakening due to political concentration and shrinking space for opposition voices.

He stressed that democracy requires strong alternatives to remain effective.

Political economist Pat Utomi has highlighted the country’s growing economic woes, citing rising fuel and food costs as evidence of deeper systemic problems.

He called for leadership driven by character and policies suited to the realities of Nigeria.

Speaking at the summit, David Mark described the meeting as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political history, warning that insecurity and economic challenges were threatening national stability.

He stressed that opposition unity is necessary to provide Nigerians with credible political alternatives before 2027.