2027: Opposition Unites to Challenge Tinubu with A Single Candidate

…Demand Electoral Reforms, INEC Leadership Change

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, opposition political parties across Nigeria have announced their intention to field a single candidate to contest the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and President Bola Tinubu in the polls.

This was contained in a communiqué issued by the chairmen of the participating political parties at the National Opposition Summit, held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Saturday, hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde and attended by key opposition figures across the country.

The parties involved in the summit are the David Mark-led faction of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Attendees at the summit include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Others at the summit include former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu; former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Senators Victor Umeh and Rabiu Kwankwaso; Prof. Jerry Gana; and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, among others.

Focused on strengthening opposition collaboration ahead of future elections and what was described as “existential threats” to Nigeria’s democracy, the opposition maintained that the ruling party is attempting to make Nigeria a one-party state, pledging to defend Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and mobilise political resistance against any moves they believe could weaken democratic plurality.

They further accused President Bola Tinubu of making efforts to make the presidential and other contestable positions uncontested to make himself and his party the contesting entity in the general elections in 2027, stating that they would resist this and ensure their parties present candidates for all positions.

The opposition also made a significant shift as they agreed to work toward presenting a single, consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election, stating they will work together for a common goal.

“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.

“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 upon and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long-suffering masses.”

At the same time, signs suggest that successfully selecting a single presidential candidate would result in the opposition being more unified than it has been in Nigeria’s recent political history.

Call for Electoral Reforms and INEC Leadership Change

The opposition also called for electoral reform, calling on the National Assembly to review the Electoral Act, 2026, particularly provisions they argue could compromise transparency and constitutional integrity.

The communique also expressed a vote of no confidence in its chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, alleging bias in favour of the ruling party and calling for his removal from overseeing the 2027 elections, warning that his continued tenure could undermine public trust and potentially trigger political instability.

“That the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, having shown bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general elections, as Nigerians across the board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee the required neutrality to deliver free, fair, transparent and credible elections. His continuous stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering widespread crises in our nation.

“That the National Assembly should immediately review the Electoral Act, 2026, to remove all sections that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the elections and run counter to constitutional provisions.

“That all leading politicians who are being detained or harassed on bailable offences be released with immediate effect and allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of participation and inclusivity as Nigerians.

“We consider the recent guidelines released by the INEC as obstacles, deliberately engineered to impose conditions and deadlines on the opposition parties. We therefore demand that INEC extend the deadline for primaries till the end of July, 2026.”