Opposition political leaders have resolved to present a united front in the 2027 general elections, agreeing to field a single presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decision emerged as a key outcome of the National Summit of Opposition Political Leaders, held on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State, where participants convened to chart a path forward amid the country’s mounting challenges. Attendees also warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under increasing strain and requires urgent, collective action to safeguard it.

The summit, themed “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy: A National Dialogue,” brought together prominent opposition figures across party lines and culminated in the adoption of a joint communiqué, known as the Ibadan Declaration.

Leaders at the event said the decision to rally behind a single candidate was driven by the need to avoid vote fragmentation and to strengthen the opposition’s electoral prospects.

In his welcome address, the host governor, Seyi Makinde, warned of a steady erosion of democratic competition, noting that the concentration of political power under one party threatens political pluralism. He also reflected on the ‘wet e’ era in Ibadan, cautioning that such a period must not be allowed to recur.

“Democracy without opposition is not democracy; it is a slow drift towards a one-party state,” he said.

Factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taminu Turaki, described the move as both strategic and necessary, warning that disunity has historically weakened opposition efforts.

“A single stick can be broken easily, but a bundle of sticks is far more difficult to break,” he said, urging political actors to prioritise national interest over individual ambition.

Mr. Turaki added that Nigeria is currently experiencing what he termed “progressive regression”, citing worsening insecurity, economic challenges, and declining confidence in democratic institutions.

“This is not a moment for silence or division; it is a moment for decisive action,” he said.

Similarly, former Senate President David Mark described the moment as a “national rescue mission”, stressing that no single opposition party could confront the current political structure alone.

“We cannot confront the future as fragmented entities. This is the time to rewrite the story of coalition-building in Nigeria,” Mr. Mark said.

In the communiqué issued at the end of the summit, opposition parties reaffirmed their commitment to contest the 2027 elections at all levels, rejecting what they described as attempts to impose a one-party state. They also resolved to resist any move to turn the election into a one-candidate race, insisting that Nigerians must be presented with credible alternatives.

Beyond the consensus candidacy plan, the declaration raised concerns over the credibility of the electoral process. The opposition leaders 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 from overseeing the 2027 elections.

The summit further urged the National Assembly to review contentious provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and demanded an extension of deadlines for party primaries to the end of July 2026.

Participants also called for the release of political actors allegedly detained on bailable offences, stressing the need for inclusivity and respect for fundamental rights.

Speakers at the summit, in their separate remarks, repeatedly emphasised that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, urging leaders to act decisively to preserve democratic institutions.

The summit concluded with a declaration of shared commitment among opposition parties to deepen collaboration, rebuild public trust, and present a united challenge in 2027.

The Ibadan meeting attracted several prominent political figures from across the political spectrum, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, political economist Pat Utomi, and elder statesman Jerry Gana, among other notable leaders.