By Omeiza Ajayi & Juliet Umeh, ABUJA
A former APC National Vice Chairman (Northwest), Salihu Moh. Lukman, has warned that the personal ambitions of major opposition leaders may hand President Bola Tinubu and the APC an easy win in the 2027 elections if they fail to unite.Lukman, who is now a founding member of the *African Democratic Congress (ADC)*, said for over two years he has been pushing for *Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi* and other opposition figures to come together under one strong platform instead of going into 2027 fragmented, like in 2023.Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show in Abuja on Friday, he said legal victories alone won’t save the opposition. He was reacting to the Court of Appeal ruling that nullified an earlier High Court order seeking to deregister the ADC and four other parties.“As a Nigerian, I’m not encouraged by what’s happening,” Lukman said. “When we started the coalition talks about two years ago, the goal was clear: unite opposition leaders and build a party that can hold those in power accountable. Right now, it looks like we’re heading back to 2023. We’re repeating the same mistakes and expecting a different result. That’s not going to work.”He lamented that with a weak opposition, Nigerians are stuck with an APC government that is “barely accountable” while hardship worsens daily.
“The hope was that elections would bring real competition and better leadership. But as it stands, we’re mismanaging the opposition and may end up gifting 2027 to Tinubu,” he added.Lukman challenged opposition leaders to put the country first. “Is personal ambition more important than rescuing Nigeria? Can’t they make sacrifices to unite and face this election together? I want APC and Tinubu defeated in 2027, but with the way things are going, I’m frustrated.”He revealed he suspended his ADC membership two weeks ago to consult across party lines, arguing that partisan loyalty alone won’t fix Nigeria’s problems. “The boldness of APC leaders comes from the weakness of the opposition. That’s why they keep claiming success even when there’s nothing to show.”According to him, patriotic politicians are already working to force opposition leaders back to the negotiation table.
“This country is bigger than all of them. We need a deal that isn’t about personal ambition.”On zoning, Lukman said competence and accountability matter more than region. “Whether it’s someone from the South or North, if they’re not accountable, I won’t support them. I want leaders with a listening ear.”On INEC, he said credibility must be proven at the polls, not by presidential endorsement. He also called for less militarization during elections, citing Ghana as an example.Speaking later on Channels TV, Lukman warned that “2027 may end up as a coronation, not an election” if the opposition remains divided.
He said Nigerians are already suffering and don’t need polls to know it.“The arrogance of the APC is because the opposition has failed to unite. If this continues, voter apathy will rise and the election could be manipulated,” he said.Lukman, a founding APC member, also criticized the party for abandoning its progressive ideals and faulted the subsidy removal and forex reforms for worsening inflation and food prices without proper palliatives.*His final appeal:* “Opposition leaders must prove they love Nigeria more than their ambitions. They should negotiate, unite, and present one credible candidate Nigerians can rally behind in 2027.”
