Opposition political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State, declared a strategic alliance aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, with a commitment to field a single presidential candidate.

The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Summit of Opposition Political Parties, where leaders warned of what they described as mounting threats to Nigeria’s democracy under the current administration.

The summit, held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, drew a large gathering of political stakeholders from across the country. It was themed: ‘‘Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy: A National Dialogue’’.

The communiqué, endorsed by chairmen of participating opposition parties, was read by PDP National Chairman, Saminu Turaki, and accompanied by other leaders, including the National Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark.

The parties resolved to work collectively to prevent the emergence of a one-party state, insisting that Nigeria’s multi-party democracy must be preserved. They also declared readiness to jointly contest the 2027 elections across all levels, despite what they described as “onslaughts and manoeuvrings” by the ruling APC.

Central to the Ibadan Declaration is an agreement to harmonise interests and adopt a consensus presidential candidate to be supported by all participating opposition parties.

The opposition also expressed concern over the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging bias and a loss of public confidence in its leadership. It called for the removal of the Commission’s chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, warning that his continued stay in office could undermine the credibility of the 2027 polls.

The communiqué further urged the National Assembly to urgently review the Electoral Act, 2026, particularly provisions perceived to threaten the integrity and transparency of elections.

On electoral preparations, the parties rejected recent guidelines issued by INEC, describing them as restrictive and targeted at weakening opposition participation. They demanded an extension of the deadline for party primaries until the end of July 2026.

They also called for the immediate release of politicians allegedly detained or harassed over bailable offences, stressing the need to uphold fundamental rights and ensure inclusive political participation.

While commending Nigerians for their resilience, the parties expressed optimism that a united opposition front would provide a credible alternative capable of rescuing the country from its current challenges. They also appreciated the host, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state for hosting the summit.

The communiqué was jointly signed by chairmen of the participating opposition parties.

Representatives of many parties were in attendance, including PDP, ADC, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Labour Party (LP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Alliance (AA), , Young Progressives Party (YPP), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana, and Dr. Kashim Ibrahim Imam, served as co-chairmen of the organising committee, while speakers at the event included Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Prof. Pat Utomi, former Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, security expert, Dr. Kabir Adamu, and Dr. Usman Bugaje.

Among dignitaries present were former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark; former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi; former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu; former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal. Social activist, Aisha Yesufu, was also in attendance.

In his remarks, Mark alleged a calculated attempt by the APC to dismantle Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and impose a one-party system.

According to him, the ruling party has, in the past three years, systematically weakened opposition voices, but insisted that such moves would be resisted.

“The move to turn Nigeria into a one-party country is real, but it will not happen. This contest is no longer just between political parties; it is between the APC and the Nigerian people. The opposition stands firmly on the side of the people,” he said.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also warned against any drift toward a one-party state, describing it as a threat to the country’s democratic foundation.

Makinde said the weakening of opposition parties should be seen as a national concern rather than a partisan issue.

“Democracy is not destroyed overnight; it is weakened step by step until people begin to feel it no longer works for them. Once the ability of citizens to choose between real alternatives disappears, what we have may still be called democracy, but it will no longer function as one,” he said.

Makinde, however, clarified that the summit was not targeted at any individual nor conceived as a platform for advancing 2027 presidential ambitions, but rather aimed at strengthening democratic governance.

Other prominent figures at the summit included former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; and Senator Victor Umeh, among others.