By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The All Progressives Congress has said it is unfazed by plans by opposition leaders to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, saying opposition parties have yet to agree on which platform would produce a joint candidate.
The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, who spoke with The Punch, said opposition parties were free to pursue coalition talks but had yet to resolve key disagreements, including the platform on which a joint candidate would emerge.
His remarks followed a meeting of opposition leaders in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they agreed to work towards presenting a single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections under a framework described as the “Ibadan Declaration.”
The summit brought together prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, among others.
Also present were former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
In their communiqué, the opposition leaders said the move was aimed at rescuing the country and strengthening democracy, while raising concerns over electoral management and calling for reforms to aspects of the Electoral Act 2026.
They also urged an extension of timelines for party primaries, arguing that current guidelines could disadvantage opposition parties.
Earlier in his address, Makinde warned that weakening opposition structures could erode democratic choice, stressing that democracy depends on credible alternatives.
Similarly, David Mark called for a “national rescue mission,” urging opposition leaders to unite and set aside personal ambitions.
Reacting, Basiru said the coalition effort would struggle due to competing ambitions among presidential hopefuls, insisting the APC remained focused on strengthening its structures ahead of 2027.
He also dismissed suggestions that Nigeria was drifting towards a one-party state, describing such claims as politically motivated.
The APC added that it was prepared to face any candidate that emerges from the opposition coalition in the 2027 presidential election.