Opposition leaders vow to resist one-party rule, demand Amupitan’s removal

Leading opposition figures in Nigeria have called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, while vowing to resist any attempt to impose a one-party system in the country.

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The leaders warned that such a move by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, would pose an “existential threat” to Nigeria’s democracy.

This position was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by chairmen of participating opposition parties at the end of a national summit held on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

In the communiqué, titled “Ibadan Declaration,” the opposition parties expressed concern that Nigeria is under the “stranglehold of an oppressive and anti-democratic APC,” stressing the need for urgent and collective action to “rescue the nation” and its over 200 million citizens.

The parties resolved to resist what they described as APC’s attempts to foist a one-party state on Nigeria, pledging to defend multi-party democracy.

They also rejected alleged moves to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate in 2027, affirming their intention to field candidates and actively contest the elections.

The communiqué further revealed plans by the opposition to unite behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

On the electoral umpire, the opposition accused INEC Chairman Amupitan of bias and partisanship in favour of the APC, insisting that he should not oversee the 2027 general elections.

According to them, “Nigerians across board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee neutrality and conduct free, fair, transparent and credible elections. His continued stay in office is capable of triggering widespread crisis.”

The parties also called on the National Assembly to urgently review the Electoral Act 2026, urging the removal of provisions they claim undermine the integrity of the electoral process and conflict with constitutional principles.

They further demanded the immediate release of politicians allegedly detained or harassed over bailable offences, stating that such actions hinder political participation and inclusivity.

The opposition also criticised recent guidelines issued by INEC, describing them as restrictive and designed to disadvantage opposition parties. They demanded an extension of the deadline for party primaries until the end of July 2026.

The communiqué commended Nigerians for their resilience and support for democratic ideals, urging continued collaboration to “free the nation from state capture.”

The opposition parties also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state for hosting the summit.