PDP, LP, ADC plan joint presidential candidate to challenge Tinubu in 2027

Major opposition parties in Nigeria, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party Nigeria (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), have agreed to work towards presenting a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after a national summit of opposition leaders held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.

According to the communiqué, the parties said a unified candidate would strengthen their chances of unseating President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Factional PDP chairman Tanimu Turaki said the coalition was determined to avoid splitting opposition votes, adding that all participating parties would rally behind a consensus candidate.

“We shall work towards fielding only one presidential candidate for the 2027 general election to rescue our nation and the long-suffering masses,” he said.

Allegations against INEC leadership

The opposition parties also criticised the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing its chairman, Joash Amupitan, of bias in favour of the ruling party.

They claimed Nigerians had lost confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct a free and credible election, calling into question the integrity of the upcoming electoral process.

Beyond the PDP, LP, and ADC, other parties present at the summit included the People’s Redemption Party, Accord Party Nigeria, All Progressives Movement (APM), Youth Party Nigeria (YP), and Action Democratic Party (ADP), among others.

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The coalition accused the APC-led government of attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, a claim the ruling party has not officially responded to.

What this means for 2027

If successful, the alliance could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, especially if it manages to unite behind a strong candidate with nationwide appeal.

Potential opposition figures often mentioned in political conversations include Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Seyi Makinde, though no official candidate has been announced.

The development signals early positioning for what could become a highly competitive presidential race.