IBADAN — Nigeria’s major opposition parties have issued a strong warning to the ruling APC, declaring their resolve to resist any attempt to turn the country into a one-party state while unveiling plans to unite behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a communiqué released after their national summit held Saturday in Ibadan, the coalition described the current political climate as an “existential challenge” driven by what it called the “stranglehold of the oppressive and anti-democratic” ruling party.
The parties stated unequivocally: “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.”
They also pushed back against what they see as moves to predetermine the next presidential race, saying: “That 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.”
In a major strategic shift, the opposition confirmed plans to close ranks, declaring: “That 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.”
The summit further escalated tensions by calling for the removal of the electoral umpire, stating: “That the INEC Chairman… having shown bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general elections… His continuous stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering wide spread crisis in our nation.”
On electoral reforms, the parties demanded urgent legislative action: “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.”
They also condemned what they described as politically motivated arrests, insisting: “That all leading politicians that are being detained or harassed on bailable offences be released with immediate effect.”
The opposition rejected recent electoral guidelines, arguing they are designed to weaken challengers: “We therefore demand that INEC extends the deadline for primaries till the end of July, 2026.”
Despite the sharp criticisms, the coalition praised Nigerians for their resilience and expressed appreciation to the Oyo State government for hosting what it called an “epochal event.”
The declaration signals a potentially fierce political battle ahead, with the opposition now betting on unity as its strongest weapon against the ruling party in 2027.
