2027 General Elections: ADC, Factional PDP Unite Against APC in Ibadan, Plots Single Presidential Candidate

Nigeria’s political landscape is heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections, as opposition leaders across the country have declared a united front to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning of an emerging threat to multi-party democracy.

The resolution followed a high-level national summit held in Ibadan, where prominent political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi and Rauf Aregbesola convened to strategise on reclaiming political ground.

Reading the communiqué, factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taminu Turaki, declared the coalition’s resolve:

“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 a major political signal, the opposition bloc announced plans to present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, a move aimed at consolidating votes and strengthening their challenge against the ruling party.

“We shall work towards fielding one presidential candidate… supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation,” the communiqué stated.

They also dismissed claims that the 2027 elections are already predetermined, insisting they would actively contest and mobilise nationwide.

The summit also took aim at Nigeria’s electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of bias.

“The INEC Chairman… having shown partisanship in favour of the APC, should not conduct the 2027 elections,” the communiqué warned.

The opposition further called on the National Assembly of Nigeria to urgently amend the Electoral Act, 2026, to safeguard electoral integrity.

Host governor, Seyi Makinde, raised concerns over shrinking political space, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is gradually being weakened.

“Democracy is not destroyed overnight; it is weakened step by step… when opposition becomes ineffective, democracy begins to lose meaning,” he cautioned.

Makinde stressed that the gathering was not about individual ambitions but about preserving democratic values and ensuring real political alternatives for Nigerians.

Political economist Pat Utomi painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s economy, highlighting the widening gap between income levels and living costs.

“If spending ₦250,000 to fill a fuel tank while many earn less than ₦100,000 monthly doesn’t show something is broken, then nothing will,” he said.

He described Nigeria’s challenges as both economic and moral, calling for leadership rooted in integrity and practical solutions.

Also speaking, former Senate President and current ADC National Chairman, David Mark, described the opposition alliance as a “national rescue mission.”

“No single opposition party can confront a system so entrenched. We must be united to salvage our nation,” he said.

Mark raised alarm over insecurity, citing thousands of deaths and kidnappings, and accused the APC-led government of prioritising politics over governance.

“We are a nation in mourning, yet the government behaves as if all is well,” he added.

With calls for unity, electoral reforms, and institutional accountability, the summit signals a major realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics as the 2027 elections approach.

Observers say the success of the proposed coalition could significantly reshape the political landscape, especially if opposition parties sustain their unity and mobilise effectively across regions.

— Report credit: Vanguard Newspapers