2027: 14 Opposition Parties Form Mega Coalition, Agree on Single Candidate to Challenge Tinubu

A coalition of 14 opposition political parties in Nigeria has agreed to field a single consensus presidential candidate to confront President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The agreement was reached at a high-profile national opposition summit held at the Banquet Hall of the Agodi Government House in Ibadan, Oyo State, in what political observers describe as one of the most significant pre-2027 political realignments. The summit brought together leading opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, and several former governors, lawmakers, academics, and civil society actors.

14 Opposition Parties Form Mega Coalition

The coalition includes major and smaller political parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Accord Party, Action Democratic Party (ADP), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

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At the end of the summit, the opposition adopted a communique titled the “Ibadan Declaration”, which formally outlined the plan to present a unified presidential candidate to challenge the APC in 2027. Reading the document, PDP National Chairman Taminu Turaki (SAN) said the decision was driven by what he called the urgent need to “rescue Nigeria’s democracy” and prevent further concentration of political power. The communiqué stated: “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 coalition accused the ruling APC of attempting to dominate Nigeria’s political space and warned against what it described as moves toward a one-party system. It also raised concerns about the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging bias and calling for reforms to ensure a credible electoral process. The group demanded amendments to the Electoral Act 2026, including extending the deadline for party primaries and removing provisions they described as restrictive to opposition participation.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who hosted the summit, warned that Nigeria risks democratic backsliding if opposition voices are weakened. He said democracy must remain competitive, stressing that the coalition was not targeted at any individual but aimed at preserving political balance and accountability.

Reacting to the development, APC leaders dismissed the opposition alliance as unstable and lacking cohesion, insisting that Nigeria remains a multi-party democracy with more than 20 registered political parties. They argued that internal crises within opposition parties, not government interference, are responsible for their struggles ahead of 2027.

2027: 14 Opposition Parties Form Mega Coalition, Agree on Single Candidate to Challenge Tinubu

APC Blasts Makinde Over ‘Operation Wetie’ Remark Ahead of 2027 Elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his reference to the historic “Operation Wetie” violence during a recent opposition political gathering in Ibadan, describing the comment as inciting, irresponsible, and politically dangerous.

Makinde made the remark while addressing an opposition summit themed “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy”, where he warned against what he described as attempts to impose a one-party system in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In his speech, the governor referenced the 1960s political unrest in the old Western Region, stating that “Operation Wetie started from Ibadan before spreading to other parts of the region.” The phrase, which historically refers to violent political clashes during Nigeria’s First Republic, has since triggered widespread controversy.

APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, condemned the comment, saying the governor’s statement was “irresponsible and capable of inciting violence.” He argued that Makinde was misrepresenting historical events and accused the opposition of attempting to create tension ahead of the next elections.

Basiru said the ruling party remains committed to democratic principles, insisting that Nigeria cannot be described as a one-party state given the existence of over 20 registered political parties under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He further criticised opposition leaders for what he described as internal disorganisation, claiming that their inability to resolve leadership disputes was being wrongly blamed on the APC.

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Similarly, APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr. Isaacs Kekemeke, described Makinde’s remarks as a “misreading of history” and accused him of making statements capable of raising political tension unnecessarily.

Kekemeke maintained that the ruling party is not interested in weakening opposition voices, stressing that democracy thrives on competition and accountability. He also dismissed claims of a planned one-party system, describing them as “politically motivated and baseless.”

He argued that opposition parties were struggling due to internal crises rather than any interference from the APC, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to democratic freedoms and political plurality.

The APC chieftain also criticised the outcome of the Ibadan opposition summit, where several political figures reportedly agreed to work toward fielding a single presidential candidate for 2027. He described the arrangement as unrealistic and bound to fail due to ideological differences and internal divisions.

Presidential aide, Chief Sunday Dare, also weighed in, dismissing the opposition coalition as weak and fragmented, saying it lacked the structure to challenge the ruling party effectively.

Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail Makinde’s comments on social media, with critics accusing him of invoking Nigeria’s violent political history, while supporters insist his remarks were intended as a caution against political exclusion and democratic decline.

Makinde has yet to issue a fresh response following the backlash.

APC Blasts Makinde Over ‘Operation Wetie’ Remark Ahead of 2027 Elections

Obasanjo, Atiku, Kwankwaso Lead Opposition Unity Talks in Ibadan Summit

Leading opposition figures in Nigeria on Saturday converged in Ibadan for a high-level national summit aimed at building political unity, strengthening cooperation, and repositioning opposition parties ahead of future elections.

The meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, brought together key stakeholders from major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other political blocs.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo presided over the summit, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde served as host. The gathering was convened under the theme “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” reflecting efforts to build a more coordinated opposition coalition in Nigeria. Organisers described the summit as a strategic response to rising concerns over economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges in the country.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar confirmed his presence at the summit, describing it as a broad consultation involving opposition parties across the country. Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso also attended, expressing optimism about the discussions aimed at fostering political cooperation and national stability.

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Other prominent attendees included former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, alongside representatives from multiple opposition platforms.

Discussions at the summit reportedly centered on building a unified opposition front, improving collaboration among parties, and developing a coordinated strategy for upcoming elections. Sources said participants also explored ways to reduce internal divisions that have historically weakened opposition performance during national polls.

Although no formal coalition was announced, insiders described the meeting as a significant step toward possible opposition realignment in Nigeria. The Ibadan summit comes amid increasing political engagements across Nigeria as parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Analysts believe the presence of top political figures at the same forum signals renewed momentum toward strengthening opposition influence and possibly reshaping the country’s political landscape. However, no official communiqué outlining final resolutions had been released at the time of filing this report.

Obasanjo, Atiku, Kwankwaso Lead Opposition Unity Talks in Ibadan Summit