…Vows to block ‘One-Party State’ agenda
Opposition political leaders across Nigeria have declared their resolve to resist any attempt to impose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections, while simultaneously agreeing to work toward presenting a single, unified challenger to unseat him.
The resolutions were reached at a high-level gathering tagged: the “National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders”, held in Ibadan, Oyo State, and hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The meeting brought together an array of influential political figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, Professor Jerry Gana, activist A”isha Yesufu, Professor Pat Utomi, and former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung.
Also in attendance were key political heavyweights such as former governors Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Ra’uf Aregbesola (Osun), AbdulFatah Ahmed (Kwara), and Babangida Aliyu (Niger), among others.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, the opposition leaders strongly rejected what they described as alleged attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to tilt Nigeria toward a one-party state. They pledged to resist “all machinations” aimed at undermining the country’s multi-party democracy.
The communiqué stated that despite perceived political pressures and manoeuvres, opposition parties would not boycott the 2027 elections but would actively participate by fielding candidates at all levels.
Crucially, the leaders emphasised their commitment to presenting a united front by rallying behind a single presidential candidate to challenge the incumbent. “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”, the communiqué read in part.
The summit also highlighted concerns over the conduct of the 2027 elections, with participants expressing reservations about the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They insisted that Prof. Joash Amupitan should not oversee the electoral process.
Sources at the meeting revealed that discussions were heavily focused on avoiding a repeat of the 2023 scenario, where a divided opposition field multiple candidates, ultimately weakening their chances against the ruling party. Leaders agreed that consolidating votes through a single flagbearer would significantly improve their electoral prospects.
While there is broad agreement on adopting a unified candidate, negotiations over who should emerge as the consensus flag bearer are still ongoing. Among the names being considered are Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi – all of whom were presidential contenders in the last election cycle.
Insiders disclosed that a framework for selecting the candidate is under consideration, potentially involving opinion polls, internal party primaries, or a consensus arrangement among stakeholders.
Political analysts, however, caution that sustaining this newfound unity may prove challenging. They point to ideological differences, regional balancing, and competing personal ambitions as potential hurdles that could test the strength of the coalition in the months ahead.
