By Dennis Udoma
Leaders of Nigeria’s major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have agreed in principle to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The landmark decision was reached at the National Opposition Summit held in Ibadan on Saturday, April 25, 2026, and formally captured in a communiqué tagged the “Ibadan Declaration.”
Announcing the resolution, PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, SAN, said the coalition was aimed at consolidating opposition strength to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
According to the communiqué, participating parties resolved to “work towards fielding one presidential candidate, supported by all opposition platforms,” while emphasizing that consultations and consensus-building would determine the eventual flag bearer.
However, the APC has swiftly dismissed the move describing it as unholy alliance.
Reacting in Uyo, the party’s Media Network Director-General in Akwa Ibom State, Otuekong Iniobong John, described the alliance as “ill-timed” and a “defeatist approach.”
“Put all of them together, they cannot match the popularity, national acceptability, and grassroots appeal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said, adding that the ruling party remained unshaken by what he termed an “unholy marriage of convenience.”
Despite the criticism, the summit attracted key political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, underscoring the seriousness of the coalition talks.
ADC leaders, in separate remarks, warned of a looming one-party state and stressed the need for a united opposition to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
They also called for sweeping reforms, including amendments to the Electoral Act and election guidelines.
Although no consensus candidate has emerged, the Ibadan summit signals a major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, as opposition parties intensify efforts to avoid fragmentation and mount a formidable challenge against the APC in the 2027 presidential race.
