By Kingston Magare 25.4.2026
A gathering of opposition parties ended their summit in Ibadan, Oyo State with a vow to unity behind one candidate in their bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
The gathering hosted by Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde with the theme “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” sounded a clarion call to all Nigerians to reject one party rule and unite behind a candidate to save Nigeria’s democracy.
The event held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, had in attendance leaders from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other political groups.
At the end of the summit the group of opposition parties came up with a communique, which include: ” 1. That we shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party State on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country.
“2. That despite the onslaughts and maneuverings of the ruling party, the APC to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole Presidential candidate in 2027; we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections.
“3. That 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.”
They also called for the resignation of the Independent National Electoral Commission chairman
“That the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, having shown bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general elections as Nigerians across board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee the required neutrality to deliver free, fair, transparent and credible elections. His continuous stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering widespread crisis in our nation.”
Notable leaders who were in Ibadan include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor 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 and others.