2027: Opposition Parties Agree On Single Presidential Candidate — Turaki

Opposition political parties in Nigeria have agreed to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, announced on Saturday.

Turaki made the disclosure at the National Opposition Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where leaders from various opposition political parties convened to strategise ahead of the next election cycle.

He said the decision was part of a broader effort to strengthen the opposition’s chances at the polls amid what he described as attempts by the ruling party to ensure President Bola Tinubu emerges unchallenged within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“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,” Turaki said.

He added that opposition parties had resolved to unite behind a consensus candidate.

“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,” he stated.

The summit also produced a strong call for the resignation of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, over allegations of bias in favour of the ruling APC.

According to the opposition leaders, Amupitan’s continued stay in office could erode public confidence in the electoral process and heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 polls.

“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 as Nigerians across the board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee the required neutrality to deliver a free, fair, transparent, and credible election.

“His continued stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering widespread crises in our nation,” the leaders said.

The summit, which featured prominent opposition figures including former Senate President David Mark, former vice president Atiku Abubakar among others focused on fostering unity among opposition parties, advocating electoral reforms, and addressing what participants described as worsening economic and security challenges in the country.