Opposition political parties in Nigeria have agreed to present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, a move aimed at maximising their chances at the polls.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Kabiru Tanimu-Turaki, a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during the National Opposition Summit in Ibadan, Oyo State. The gathering brought together leaders from multiple parties to strategise ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Mr Turaki said the decision was necessary despite what he described as efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to position President Bola Tinubu as its sole candidate.
He stated: “Despite the onslaughts and machinations of the ruling party, the APC, to ensure that President Bola Tinubu emerges as the sole presidential candidate in 2027, we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 presidential and other elections.”
He further confirmed that opposition parties had resolved to work collaboratively towards a single presidential ticket, adding: “We shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. This shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and our long-suffering masses.”
Opposition Calls for INEC Chairman’s Resignation
The summit also saw opposition leaders demand the resignation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, whom they accused of bias in favour of the APC.
They argued that his continued tenure risked undermining public trust in the electoral process and could trigger political unrest ahead of the 2027 vote.
“Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, having shown bias and open partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general election, as Nigerians across the board have lost confidence in him,” the leaders said. “His continued stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering widespread crises in our nation.”
The summit, which included prominent figures such as former Senate President David Mark, centred on calls for opposition unity, electoral reforms, and what participants described as the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from worsening economic and security challenges.
