Nigeria opposition parties have agreed to present a united front in the 2027 presidential election by fielding one joint candidate against President Bola Tinubu, effectively ruling out any third force arrangement.
Former vice president Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi have all agreed to contest under a single opposition arrangement and have already shown interest in seeking the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket ahead of 2027.
The decision emerged from a major opposition summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party led by Seyi Makinde and the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark resolved to work together on a unified electoral strategy.
At the meeting, the opposition blocs confirmed that both parties will not present separate presidential candidates but will instead agree on one flag bearer to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Tinubu in the next general election.
The summit communique was presented by Peoples Democratic Party chairman Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who stated that despite what the opposition described as political pressure and strategic moves from the ruling party to position President Tinubu as its sole candidate, the coalition remains committed to contesting and winning the 2027 elections through unity.
He explained that the plan is to select one presidential candidate that will be jointly supported by all participating opposition parties with the goal of political restructuring and improving conditions for citizens.
The opposition also raised concerns about the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission under Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, accusing him of bias toward the ruling party. The coalition called for his resignation, arguing that his continued stay in office could undermine public trust in the electoral process and trigger instability.
According to the communique, the opposition insists that credible, neutral and transparent electoral leadership is necessary to ensure free and fair elections in 2027 and to restore confidence among voters across the country.
