Opposition leaders in Nigeria have issued a communique vowing to resist any attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to make President Bola Tinubu the sole candidate for the 2027 general elections.

This statement followed a National Summit of opposition parties held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where several key political figures including Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP) gathered to discuss a united front.

The opposition political figures made this declaration via a communique issued at the end of a meeting christened “National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders”.

The meeting was hosted by governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in Ibadan on Saturday.

It was attended by former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, David Mark, former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, Aisha Yesufu, Professor Pat Utomi and a former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung.

Others are former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Kano, Rabiu Kwankwanso, former governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatai Ahmed, former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amechi, former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu among others.

The leaders of the opposition political parties in the communique vowed to resist all machinations by the ruling All Progressives Congress to foist a one-party State on Nigeria.

They vowed to resist all attempts to make Tinubu the sole presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.

The opposition political figures also disclosed that the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan should not be allowed to conduct the forthcoming general elections in 2027.

The communique partly read, “That 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.

“That despite the onslaughts and maneuverings of the ruling party, the APC to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole Presidential candidate in 2027; we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections.

“That we shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long suffering masses”.

The Nigerian Army said troops from the 82 Division has recovered the suspected remains of a soldier couple, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were murdered in May 2022.

In a statement shared on its official X handle, the Army said the troops acted on credible intelligence to carry out the operations on 24 April 2026 along the Ubaha Orsu axis of Orsu Local Government Area.

The operation was part of a strategic clearance and search mission aimed at dismantling the IPOB/ESN hideout in the region and locating the remains of two Nigerian Army personnel, Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew, who were brutally abducted and murdered by terrorists in May 2022 while on their way to their traditional wedding.

Upon receiving credible intelligence, the army reported that its troops advanced towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout, where they encountered heavy fire from armed criminals.

The statement said the troops engaged the terrorists decisively, successfully repelling multiple ambushes and forcing the criminals to retreat in chaos.

“The encounter further revealed the desperation and criminal nature of the group, which continues to target innocent citizens and security personnel alike,” the statement said.

After successfully clearing the camp, the Nigerian Army said the troops conducted a comprehensive search of the area, leading to the discovery of shallow graves believed to contain the remains of the slain personnel.

“The graves were carefully excavated, and the suspected remains were recovered,” the statement said.

The Nigerian Army confirmed that the recovered remains have been secured for detailed forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to definitively establish their identities.

“Efforts are also ongoing to liaise with the families of the fallen personnel to ensure proper identification and facilitate befitting burial arrangements in honour of their sacrifice.

“This operation not only underscores the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for fallen heroes but also highlights the continued degradation of IPOB/ESN criminal networks and infrastructure across the South East.

“The discovery of shallow graves within their camp further exposes the group’s heinous atrocities and disregard for human life.”

The Nigerian Army reassured the general public that ongoing operations will continue until all criminal elements are neutralised and lasting peace is restored across the region.

“We appreciate the law-abiding citizens for the information and urge you remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information,” it added.

Xenophobia in South Africa has become a deeply troubling issue, raising questions about unity, historical memory, and the values that once defined the African struggle for liberation.

While concerns about illegal immigration and documentation are valid, they cannot justify the violence, hostility, and loss of life that have increasingly targeted foreign nationals, particularly fellow Africans.

The recurring outbreaks of violence—such as the 2008 South African xenophobic riots—highlight a pattern that continues to resurface. Incidents like the recent killing of a Nigerian taxi driver, widely shared in disturbing videos, serve as painful reminders of how severe and personal this crisis has become. These acts not only harm individuals and communities but also damage the broader vision of African solidarity.

Historically, many African nations, including Nigeria, stood firmly against Apartheid, offering financial, political, and moral support to movements like the African National Congress. This shared struggle fostered a sense of continental unity—an idea that now seems under strain.

Figures like Julius Malema have spoken about African unity and condemned xenophobic violence, though the broader political and social landscape remains complex. The persistence of these attacks suggests deeper underlying issues, including economic inequality, unemployment, and social frustration.

Ultimately, xenophobia in South Africa is not just a national issue—it is an African one. It challenges the continent to reflect on its shared history, its responsibilities to one another, and the urgent need to rebuild a sense of unity and mutual respect.

George Ogunjimi Esq

Juris Republic

jurisrepubliclegal@gmail.com

24/04/2026.