By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
A coalition of opposition political parties in Nigeria has declared their stand to resolve and to resist what it described as growing threats to democracy, following a National Summit held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the parties accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to impose a one-party state and undermining democratic institutions. The opposition leaders said the country faces “existential challenges” under the current administration and called for urgent collective action to safeguard Nigeria’s future.
The summit strongly rejected any move to make Bola Tinubu the sole presidential candidate in the 2027 elections, insisting that opposition parties will actively participate and field candidates across all levels. However, they also signaled a willingness to unite, revealing plans to present a single consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
A major highlight of the communiqué was a vote of no confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan. The opposition accused him of bias in favor of the ruling party and called for his removal, warning that his continued leadership could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections and potentially trigger national unrest.
The parties also urged the National Assembly to urgently review the Electoral Act 2026, calling for the removal of provisions they believe threaten the integrity of elections and contradict constitutional principles.
In addition, the summit demanded the immediate release of political figures allegedly detained or harassed over bailable offences, stressing the need to uphold fundamental rights and ensure inclusive political participation.
The opposition further criticized recent electoral guidelines issued by INEC, describing them as restrictive and deliberately targeted at weakening opposition parties. They called for an extension of the deadline for party primaries until the end of July 2026.
Despite their concerns, the parties commended Nigerians for their resilience and commitment to democratic ideals, urging continued support in what they described as a collective struggle to “rescue the nation from state capture.”
The summit also expressed appreciation to Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, and the people of the state for hosting what they termed an “epochal event.”
