The National Summit of Opposition Political Leaders, held on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State, has resulted in a landmark resolution to present a united front for the 2027 general elections.
In a strategic move to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, opposition figures have agreed to consolidate their strength by fielding a single presidential candidate.
This decision, a centerpiece of the “Ibadan Declaration,” aims to prevent the “fragmentation of votes” that has historically weakened the opposition’s chances at the polls.
The summit, themed “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy: A National Dialogue,” brought together a diverse array of heavyweights across party lines to address the nation’s current challenges.
Host governor Seyi Makinde delivered a poignant warning in his welcome address, noting a steady erosion of democratic competition and the threat of a one-party state.
Invoking the history of the ‘wet e’ era in Ibadan, Makinde stated, “Democracy without opposition is not democracy, it is a slow drift toward a one-party state,” emphasizing that such a past must not be allowed to repeat itself.
Leadership within the coalition described the move as both a strategic necessity and a “national rescue mission.”
Factional PDP National Chairman Taminu Turaki urged political actors to prioritize the national interest over individual ambition, warning that disunity is a fatal flaw.
He illustrated this point by stating, “A single stick can be broken easily, but a bundle of sticks is far more difficult to break.”
Similarly, former Senate President David Mark argued that the current political structure cannot be confronted by fragmented entities, asserting, “This is the time to rewrite the story of coalition building in Nigeria.”
Beyond the plan for a consensus candidate, the opposition leaders expressed deep concerns regarding the credibility of the electoral process and the current state of the nation.
The summit participants passed a vote of no confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, alleging bias and calling for his removal before 2027.
They further described Nigeria’s current situation as “progressive regression,” citing worsening insecurity and economic challenges while demanding that the National Assembly review contentious provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The gathering featured a “who’s who” of Nigerian politics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and Pat Utomi.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to rebuild public trust and resist any attempts to turn the 2027 election into a one-candidate race.
By adopting the Ibadan Declaration, these leaders have signaled a shift toward a more collaborative and determined challenge to the current administration.
