Opposition political parties in Nigeria have agreed to work towards presenting a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, as part of efforts to strengthen their chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a national opposition summit held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The meeting brought together leaders of participating opposition parties who said they were responding to what they described as “collective threats” and “existential challenges facing our country under the stranglehold of the oppressive and anti-democratic All Progressives Congress (APC).”
In the statement titled “Ibadan Declaration,” the parties declared: “we shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses.”
They also insisted they would still contest the elections, stating: “we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections.”
The opposition parties further said they would resist attempts to weaken multiparty democracy, declaring: “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 also raised concerns about the electoral process, calling for reforms and expressing lack of confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission leadership.
They further urged the release of detained politicians and demanded changes to the Electoral Act, while describing some INEC guidelines as “obstacles” to fair competition.
The summit ended with a call for unity among opposition parties and appreciation for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for hosting the gathering.
