The All Progressives Congress has dismissed concerns over plans by opposition parties to present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections, saying the ruling party is not threatened by the move.
Reacting to the outcome of an opposition summit held in Ibadan, the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, said the idea of a united opposition front is unrealistic given the internal disagreements among the parties involved.
Opposition leaders had gathered in Ibadan for a national summit where they agreed, in principle, to field a single candidate against the APC in 2027. The meeting brought together major political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and others across different parties.
The coalition, announced through what it called the “Ibadan Declaration,” said the move was aimed at unseating the APC and addressing worsening economic and security challenges in the country. It also accused the ruling party of attempting to weaken opposition voices and push Nigeria toward a one-party system.
However, Basiru dismissed the agreement as political wishful thinking, arguing that key opposition figures all have personal ambitions that will make consensus difficult. He questioned how parties with multiple presidential hopefuls could agree on a single candidate.
According to him, the APC remains focused on strengthening its internal structures, expanding membership, and preparing for transparent primaries rather than being distracted by what he described as political drama.
He added that the ruling party is confident ahead of 2027 and ready to face any candidate the opposition eventually produces.
Basiru also criticised remarks made at the summit, particularly warnings of political unrest, describing them as irresponsible and unnecessary. He insisted that democracy should be about ideas and competition, not threats or fear.
Despite the APC’s reaction, opposition leaders maintain that their unity effort is necessary to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative and to strengthen democratic competition ahead of the next general elections.
