Opposition Parties Unite to Field Single Presidential Candidate for 2027
Kabiru Tanimu-Turaki, a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has announced a landmark agreement among Nigeria’s opposition parties. Speaking at the National Opposition Summit in Ibadan on Saturday, Turaki revealed that the parties have resolved to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The gathering in Oyo State brought together various political leaders to strategize against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The coalition stated that this move is a direct response to alleged efforts to consolidate power within the current administration. Turaki claimed that despite “onslaughts and machinations” intended to make President Bola Tinubu the sole viable candidate, the opposition remains undeterred. He emphasized: “Despite the onslaughts and machinations of the ruling party, the APC, to ensure that President Bola Tinubu emerges as the sole presidential candidate in 2027, we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 presidential and other elections.”
The strategy focuses on total unity to ensure a more formidable challenge at the polls. Turaki explained that the coalition’s primary goal is to present a unified front that can gain broad national support. He noted: “Three, that we shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. We shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and our long-suffering masses.”
Beyond candidacy, the summit participants directed their attention toward the leadership of the electoral body. Opposition leaders collectively called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan. They accused him of open partisanship and argued that his presence would undermine the credibility of the upcoming 2027 vote.
The leaders expressed concern that the current commission leadership could lead to national instability. In a joint statement, they argued: “INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, having shown bias and open partisanship in favour of the ruling APC, should not conduct the 2027 general election.” They further warned that his continued stay is “vexatious and capable of triggering widespread crises in our nation.”
The Ibadan summit featured several high-profile figures, including former Senate President David Mark. Discussions centered on the urgent need for electoral reforms and a shared vision to address Nigeria’s economic and security struggles. As the 2027 cycle approaches, this coalition represents a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, aiming to “rescue” the nation through a unified electoral strategy.
