Opposition moves to field single presidential candidate ahead 2027

…Demands extension of deadline for party primaries

Opposition parties have resolved to unite behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, in a major push to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decision was reached at a national summit held on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State, where key opposition blocs, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde, among others, met to harmonise strategies.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the parties said the move to field a consensus candidate was part of broader efforts to “rescue Nigeria” from what they described as the “stranglehold” of the APC.

The opposition also pledged to resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, vowing to defend multi-party democracy.

“Despite the manoeuvrings of the ruling APC to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole candidate in 2027, we shall field candidates and contest the elections.

Read also: Consensus row pushes APC to the brink

“We shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties,” the communique reads.

The summit further raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process, calling for the removal of the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, over alleged bias.

According to the parties, his continued stay in office could undermine public confidence and trigger instability.

They also urged the National Assembly to review the Electoral Act 2026, removing provisions they claim threaten the integrity of elections.

The opposition demanded an extension of the deadline for party primaries to July 2026, arguing that existing timelines were designed to disadvantage non-ruling parties.

Additionally, they called for the release of opposition figures detained on bailable offences, stressing the need for inclusivity and respect for fundamental rights.

The parties commended Nigerians for their resilience and expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the summit.

However, BusinessDay reports that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had said it would adopt President Bola Tinubu as its presidential candidate for the election.