RismadarVoice Reporters, April 25, 2026
Opposition political parties in Nigeria have agreed in principle to present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, in a move aimed at strengthening their chances at the polls.
The resolution was announced on Saturday by a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu-Turaki, at the National Opposition Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The summit brought together leaders from various opposition parties to deliberate on strategies ahead of the next election cycle.
Turaki said the decision to work towards a consensus presidential candidate was borne out of the need for unity among opposition forces and a shared commitment to what he described as rescuing the country from current economic and security challenges.
“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 elections,” he said.
He added, “We shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, who will be agreed upon and supported by all participating opposition parties.”
The summit also featured prominent political figures, including former Senate President David Mark, and focused on building a unified front, advancing electoral reforms, and addressing national concerns.
In a related development, the opposition leaders called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan. They accused him of alleged bias in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that his continued stay in office could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
According to the opposition bloc, a credible and transparent electoral system remains critical to the stability of the country, especially as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.
The leaders emphasised the need for neutrality in the conduct of elections and cautioned that failure to address concerns around electoral integrity could heighten political tensions nationwide.
The Ibadan summit marks one of the early efforts by opposition parties to consolidate their positions and present a formidable challenge in the next general elections.
