The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has called for a joint opposition framework to defend democracy and challenge the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of future elections.
Turaki made the call on Saturday, April 25, 2026, while addressing the National Summit of Opposition Political Parties in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In his address titled “May This Moment Not Pass Us By,” the PDP chairman said Nigeria’s opposition parties must act quickly to prevent what he described as the gradual weakening of democratic competition in the country.
He accused the APC-led Federal Government of using state-backed crises to weaken opposition parties and restrict the political space.
According to him, opposition parties are facing sustained pressure through internal disputes, legal challenges and the alleged manipulation of national institutions that should protect electoral democracy.
“Never in our democratic history have we faced the asphyxiation of the opposition as we are currently witnessing, and never have we danced so carelessly on the brink of becoming a one-party state,” Turaki said.
He said the trust deficit in key national institutions had reached a critical level, warning that citizens could lose confidence in lawful democratic processes if institutions fail to remain impartial.
Turaki urged opposition leaders to take collective action in defence of democracy, citizenship, principle and honour.
He proposed what he called the “Ibadan Accord” or “Ibadan Declaration,” a joint opposition platform where the defence of democracy would be the central objective.
According to him, the platform should be built on equity, fairness, data, political reality and lessons from the last three election cycles.
“To succeed, it is inevitable that we must come together. But in doing so, we must be guided by equity, fairness, and reality,” he said.
The PDP chairman said opposition parties must avoid unrealistic assumptions and instead listen to the voices of Nigerians in building a credible alternative.
He also commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for hosting the summit, describing him as a patriot who placed national interest above ethnic and narrow political considerations.
Turaki further acknowledged other PDP and opposition leaders who, according to him, remained committed to the sustenance of democracy despite not being physically present at the summit.
He claimed that some opposition parties were contacted by agents of government and discouraged from attending the summit, but praised those present for what he described as a test of integrity.
He urged participants to leave Ibadan with a firm resolve to work together to “rescue Nigeria” and protect the country’s democratic future.
The address was delivered at a summit convened to discuss opposition collaboration and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
