Opposition parties in Nigeria, on Saturday , April 25, 2026, converged in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital for a high-stakes national summit, where they unveiled bold strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections—including a historic move to present a unified presidential candidate.

In a historic gathering aimed at reshaping the nation’s political trajectory, leaders from all major opposition political parties met at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Ibadan, for the National Summit of All Opposition Political Party Leaders.

Under the urgent theme: “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” the summit served as a strategic response to the socio-economic and security challenges currently facing the Federation, alleged moves by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to muzzle the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, suspected plot to ensure that President Tinubu emerges as the only presidential candidate on the ballot and the growing speculation that ruling party is working towards transforming Nigeria into a One-Party state.

The event hosted by the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, had in attendance, top opposition figures and presidential aspirants on attendance including: Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Chibuike R Amaechi, David mark, Professor Jerry Gana, Rauf Aregbesola, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Arapaja Oladejo Taofeek, and other prominent figures particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, amongst a gathering of an estimated 17 political parties.

Parties present at the summit included; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Labour Party (LP), Allied Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Alliance (AA), Democratic Liberation Alliance (DLA), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

At the end of the crucial meeting held on April 25, 2026, major players like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) declared their resolve to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which they accused of pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state.

In a strongly worded communiqué, the coalition vowed to defend multi-party democracy and resist any attempt to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole candidate in 2027. Instead, they confirmed plans to jointly field candidates across all levels, with a single presidential flag-bearer to represent the alliance.

Reading the communiqué on behalf of the participating chairmen, PDP factional National Chairman, Taminu Turaki (SAN), described the move as an “existential necessity” aimed at rescuing Nigeria from what he called the stranglehold of the APC

The opposition also took direct aim at the electoral process, calling for the removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, over alleged bias in favor of the APC. They warned that his continued role could undermine public trust and trigger national unrest.

Among other key demands, the parties urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the Electoral Act 2026, criticized new INEC guidelines as restrictive, and called for an extension of the primaries deadline to July 2026.

They further demanded the immediate release of politicians allegedly detained or harassed over bailable offenses, stressing the need for inclusivity and respect for democratic rights.

The summit also praised Nigerians for their resilience and commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for hosting what they described as a defining moment in the country’s political future.

COMMUNIQUE

Communiqué issued at the end of Opposition Political Parties National Summit held on Saturday April 25, 2026 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Participating Opposition Parties in Nigeria, after an extensive deliberation on the collective threats that we face and the existential challenges facing our country under the stranglehold of the oppressive and anti-democratic All Progressives Congress (APC) and given the need for urgent, collective action to rescue our nation and the destiny of over 200 million compatriots, hereby resolve as follows:

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 manoeuvrings 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.
4. 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 wide spread crisis in our nation.
5. That the National Assembly should immediately review the Electoral Act, 2026 to remove all sections that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the elections and run counter to constitutional provisions.
6. That all leading politicians that are being detained or harassed on bailable offfences be released with immediate effect and allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of participation and inclusivity as Nigerians.
7. That we consider the recent guidelines released by the INEC as obstacles, deliberately engineered to impose conditions and deadlines on the opposition parties. We therefore demand that INEC extends the deadline for primaries till the end of July, 2026.
8. The Summit commends Nigerians for their resilience and readiness to work with Opposition Parties to free our nation from State capture.
9. The National summit of Opposition Political Parties thank the Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the epochal event.

SIGNED:

Chairmen of Participating Opposition Parties.