Nigeria’s opposition political parties have taken a significant step toward collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections, adopting a joint communiqué known as the “Ibadan Declaration” at the end of a National Summit held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Ibadan.
The declaration signals a major political realignment, with the parties resolving to unite against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and resist what they described as moves toward a one-party state and “state capture.”
A key resolution from the summit is the decision to pursue electoral unity by presenting a single, consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. The parties stated that despite alleged “onslaughts and manoeuvrings” aimed at positioning President Bola Tinubu as a sole candidate, they remain committed to jointly backing one candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge to the APC.
The summit also passed a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for the immediate removal of its chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan. The parties accused him of bias and partisanship in favour of the ruling party, warning that his continued stay in office could undermine public trust and trigger unrest.
In addition, the opposition leaders outlined a series of demands directed at the National Assembly and the Federal Government. These include an urgent review of the Electoral Act 2026 to eliminate provisions they believe threaten the credibility of elections.
They also called for the immediate release of politicians allegedly detained or harassed over bailable offences, stressing the need to ensure inclusivity and full participation in the democratic process.
The parties further rejected recent guidelines issued by INEC, describing them as obstacles designed to weaken the opposition. They specifically demanded an extension of the deadline for party primaries until the end of July 2026.
Concluding the communiqué, the opposition parties commended Nigerians for their resilience amid what they termed ongoing challenges under the APC-led administration. They also expressed appreciation to Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting what they described as an epoch-making summit.
The “Ibadan Declaration” was endorsed by the chairmen of all participating opposition parties, marking the formal launch of a coordinated strategy for the 2027 elections.
