IBADAN SUMMIT: Opposition Leaders Pass Vote of No Confidence in INEC Chair Mahmood Yakubu

THE political atmosphere in the ancient city of Ibadan assumed a definitive hue as leaders of Nigeria’s opposition internal political parties passed a scathing vote of no confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

Gathered at a high-level National Summit of Opposition Political Parties hosted by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the leaders issued a stern warning against the “foisting of a one-party state” on the nation. The summit culminated in the adoption of the “Ibadan Declaration,” a communiqué that characterized the current electoral leadership as a major threat to the survival of multi-party democracy in Nigeria.

The opposition bloc, through a unified voice, alleged that Professor Yakubu has demonstrated “bias and open partisanship” in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They argued that Nigerians across the board have lost confidence in his capacity to guarantee the neutrality required to deliver free, fair, and transparent elections in 2027.

“His continued stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering widespread crisis in our nation,” the declaration stated, with the opposition flatly demanding that he should not conduct the 2027 general elections.

Adding weight to the agitation, the factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taminu Turaki, who read the communiqué, vowed that the opposition would remain resolute against the ruling party’s maneuvers.

“We shall resist all machinations by the APC to foist a one-party State on Nigeria and fight for the survival of multi-party democracy in our country,” Turaki declared.

The summit also trained its sights on the legislative framework governing the polls, calling on the National Assembly to immediately review the Electoral Act 2026. The leaders demanded the removal of clauses they claim “threaten the sanctity and integrity of the elections” and run counter to constitutional provisions.

In a move to consolidate their strength, the parties further resolved to work toward fielding a single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections to “rescue our nation and her long-suffering masses”.

The “Ibadan Declaration” also sought an immediate extension of the INEC deadline for party primaries to the end of July 2026, describing current guidelines as “obstacles deliberately engineered” to handicap opposition elements.

How do you think the demand for a single opposition candidate will reshape the internal dynamics of the major parties involved?