Leaders of opposition political parties in Nigeria have resolved to resist any move to impose President Bola Tinubu as a sole presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a high-level meeting tagged the “National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders,” held in Ibadan and hosted by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

Prominent figures in attendance included former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President, David Mark; former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana; activist Aisha Yesufu; political economist Pat Utomi; and former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung.

Also present were former governors, including Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Rotimi Amaechi, and Babangida Aliyu, among others.

The opposition leaders also raised concerns over the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, should not be allowed to conduct the 2027 general elections.

Part of the communiqué read:

“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 in our country.

“That despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party… to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate in 2027, we shall field candidates and contest the elections.

“That we shall 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 development signals early political realignments and potential coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 polls.