Leaders of major opposition parties have agreed to field a joint presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, in a move aimed at strengthening their chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision was reached at a national summit held in Ibadan on Saturday, where key opposition figures resolved to deepen collaboration ahead of the polls.
Parties at the meeting included the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chaired by Kabiru Turaki, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, the parties said the move to adopt a single candidate was part of efforts to “rescue the nation” and prevent what they described as attempts to entrench a one-party system.
“We shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, which will be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties,” the communiqué stated.
The parties also vowed to contest the election despite what they described as “onslaughts and manoeuvrings” by the APC.
“That despite attempts to impose a sole candidate in 2027, we shall field candidates and contest the presidential and other elections,” the statement added.
The opposition leaders further accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, of bias, calling for his removal.
“Nigerians have lost confidence in his ability to guarantee free, fair and credible elections,” the communiqué said, warning that his continued stay in office could undermine the electoral process.
They also called on the National Assembly to urgently review the Electoral Act 2026 to strengthen the integrity of elections.
The summit marks one of the most significant attempts by opposition parties to close ranks ahead of the 2027 polls, amid growing political realignments across the country.