By Ayo Kehinde
A broad coalition of Nigeria’s opposition leaders has taken a significant step toward political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, with a firm commitment to field a single, consensus presidential candidate capable of challenging the ruling establishment.
Declaring the position at the National Summit of opposition parties in Ibadan, Oyo State, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taminu Turaki, said the coalition is determined to present a united front in the interest of national recovery.
“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”, Turaki declared in the communiqué issued at the end of deliberations.
The high-level summit, themed “That We May Work Together For A United Opposition To Sustain Our Democracy”, was hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan.
It drew a formidable array of political heavyweights across party lines, reflecting a renewed commitment to opposition cohesion. Among those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi; former Senate President David Mark; former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Also present were former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso; former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu; former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Senator Victor Umeh; elder statesman Jerry Gana; and former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, among others.
The summit brought together major opposition platforms, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), in what organisers described as a strategic response to Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.
In his opening remarks, Governor Makinde emphasised the urgency of safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions, urging opposition leaders to rise above partisan divides and focus on strengthening democratic values. He noted that only a united opposition can effectively hold the government accountable and offer Nigerians a credible alternative.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting highlighted key outcomes, including a single, consensus presidential candidate. The forum condemned alleged attempts by President Bola Tinubu to ensure only the APC in the 2027 presidential ballot paper.
Deliberations featured contributions from leading policy and governance experts. Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, and former federal lawmaker Usman Bugaje, addressed issues of democratic accountability and institutional reform.
A former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mike Igini, presented recommendations on credible elections, while political economist Pat Utomi outlined pathways for building a productive national economy. Security expert Kabir Adamu examined the country’s security architecture and proposed measures to tackle persistent threats.
Participants described the summit as one of the most coordinated opposition engagements in recent years, expressing optimism that the resolutions reached would reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
