Nigeria’s opposition political parties have declared a renewed commitment to democratic pluralism and electoral participation, announcing plans to present a united front in the 2027 general elections.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Opposition Political Parties National Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where party leaders deliberated on what they described as mounting challenges facing the country’s democracy.
In a key resolution, the parties stated unequivocally that they would “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.”
The summit also stressed the determination of opposition forces to remain active participants in the democratic process, declaring that “despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party… we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections.”
Reaffirming their stance on democratic values, the parties warned against any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s multi-party system. According to the communiqué, “we shall resist all machinations… to foist a one-party State on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country.”
*Concerns Over Electoral Integrity and INEC Leadership*
Beyond electoral participation, the summit raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process. The parties called for the removal of the current leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging bias.
They argued 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.”
The communiqué further warned that his continued stay in office is “vexatious and capable of triggering widespread crisis in our nation.”
The opposition bloc also urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the Electoral Act, 2026. The parties said the review should “remove all sections that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the elections and run counter to constitutional provisions.”
They also demanded the immediate release of politicians allegedly detained or harassed over bailable offences, insisting such actions undermine democratic participation. The communiqué called for those affected to be “allowed to exercise their fundamental rights of participation and inclusivity as Nigerians.”
In addition, the summit rejected recent guidelines issued by INEC, describing them as restrictive. The parties demanded an extension of the timeline for party primaries, stating that the deadlines were “deliberately engineered to impose conditions” on opposition groups. They proposed that the deadline be extended to the end of July 2026.
The summit concluded with a message of appreciation to Nigerians for their resilience and continued faith in democratic change, noting their “readiness to work with Opposition Parties to free our nation from State capture.”
Participants also commended Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and residents of the state for hosting what they described as an “epochal event.”
The communiqué was jointly signed by chairmen of the participating opposition parties.