Opposition political parties in Nigeria have resolved to present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, in a major move aimed at strengthening their chances at the polls.
The decision was reached at a national summit of opposition leaders held on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where stakeholders across party lines deliberated on strategies to consolidate their positions ahead of the elections.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, popularly referred to as the “Ibadan Declaration,” the parties agreed to work towards a consensus presidential candidate that would be jointly supported by all participating opposition platforms.
Prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi, were reported to have been part of the high-level engagement.
The leaders noted that the decision to unite behind a single candidate was driven by the need to present a formidable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as to address growing concerns over governance and the state of democracy in the country.
They also expressed determination to resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, reaffirming their commitment to active participation in the 2027 elections across all levels.
The summit further raised concerns about the current electoral framework, with participants calling for reforms to strengthen transparency, credibility, and public confidence in the electoral process.
While the agreement marks a significant step towards opposition unity, political observers note that achieving consensus on a single candidate may require extensive negotiations, given the diverse interests and ambitions within the opposition bloc.
Nonetheless, the Ibadan summit is widely seen as an early signal of intensified political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
