Former Minister and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has reiterated the commitment of opposition political parties to defend Nigeria’s democracy and work towards a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Turaki made this known following his participation in the National Summit of Opposition Political Parties held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, where key political stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the country’s political future.
Describing the summit as a crucial moment for “deep reflection and honest conversation,” Turaki said opposition leaders across the political spectrum agreed on the urgent need for unity in the face of growing national challenges.
According to him, the summit ended with a communiqué reflecting a collective resolve to resist any attempt to impose a one-party system under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while safeguarding the principles of multi-party democracy.
He disclosed that despite what participants described as mounting political pressure, opposition parties remain committed to actively contesting the 2027 general elections by fielding credible candidates at all levels.
A major outcome of the meeting, Turaki noted, was the agreement among opposition groups to work towards presenting a single presidential candidate capable of offering Nigerians what he termed a “real path to national recovery.”
The summit also raised concerns over the neutrality of the electoral process, with calls for urgent reforms, including a review of the Electoral Act and adjustments to existing guidelines to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.
Turaki further emphasized the need to protect democratic rights, calling for the immediate release of political actors allegedly facing harassment over bailable offences.
He commended Nigerians for their resilience and continued belief in a better future, noting that public support remains critical to the success of democratic processes.
The former minister also joined other participants in appreciating Seyi Makinde for hosting the summit, describing it as timely and significant.
Turaki stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must remain strong, inclusive, and reflective of the will of the people, adding that opposition parties are committed to pursuing unity and national progress in the lead-up to 2027.
