According to Channels Television, Ahead of the 2027 general election, Salihu Lukman, the immediate past National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi to collaborate in an effort to challenge the ruling APC. Lukman, in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, outlined a proposed merger that also includes former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former governors Nasir El-rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, Kayode Fayemi, and Ibikunle Amosun, among others.
Titled "Future of Democracy in Nigeria," Lukman's statement emphasized the necessity for Nigerian political leaders to demonstrate selflessness in forging a united front to advance the country's democracy. He lamented the current state of affairs, criticizing the APC for promising to lead the fight against corruption but allegedly fostering increased corruption and 'state capture' across various levels of governance.
Lukman highlighted the pivotal roles of former President Buhari and President Asiwaju Tinubu in shaping recent political outcomes, suggesting that without Buhari's influence, the defeat of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015 would have been significantly more challenging. He further implied that Tinubu's ascent to the presidency might have been improbable without Buhari's initial electoral success.
He said: Without former President Buhari, the defeat of PDP in 2015 would have been almost impossible, and by extension, arguably, would have been difficult, if not impossible for President Asiwaju Tinubu to become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.