2027: Opposition Unites on Single Candidate as APC Dismisses Plan as ‘Delusion’

The All Progressives Congress has dismissed plans by opposition leaders to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, describing the move as unrealistic despite a show of unity at a high-level summit in Ibadan, Oyo State.

 

Opposition heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, converged for the National Summit of Opposition Political Leaders, where they agreed to pursue a joint ticket under what they termed the “Ibadan Declaration.”

 

Reading the communiqué, factional PDP National Chairman, Taminu Turaki, said the coalition was aimed at “rescuing the nation and the suffering masses,” while warning against what he described as attempts by the APC to impose a one-party state.

 

“We shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate for the 2027 election, which will be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties,” Turaki said.

 

The opposition also questioned the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission, calling for a review of the Electoral Act 2026 and an extension of timelines for party primaries.

 

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, warned that weakening opposition voices could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

 

“Democracy without opposition is not democracy; it is a slow drift towards a one-party state,” Makinde said.

 

However, the APC insisted it was unfazed by the development.

 

The party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, argued that internal divisions within the opposition would make any consensus arrangement impractical.

 

“I can assure you that they are just engaging in delusion… All of them want to be president—Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso—so who is going to be their candidate?” Basiru said.

 

He added that the ruling party remained focused on strengthening its structure ahead of 2027 and was prepared to face any candidate at the polls.

 

“We are not bothered about the circus. We are concentrating on our membership drive and conducting transparent primaries,” he said.

 

Basiru also criticised Makinde’s reference to “Operation Wetie,” warning against statements that could heighten political tension.

 

The summit, which drew leaders from multiple parties including the PDP, ADC, Labour Party and NNPP, is seen by organisers as the starting point for a broader coalition to challenge the APC in the next election cycle.