According to Channels Television, Salihu Lukman, the immediate past National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on prominent Nigerian politicians to form a coalition to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections. In a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, Lukman proposed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi join forces to create a formidable opposition.
Lukman’s appeal, outlined in a statement titled “Future of Democracy in Nigeria,” also includes suggestions for collaboration with other notable political figures such as former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, Kayode Fayemi, and Ibikunle Amosun. Lukman argues that a united front of these leaders is essential for advancing Nigerian democracy and addressing the nation's critical issues.
In his statement, Lukman emphasized that the success of such a coalition would require selflessness from Nigerian political leaders. He lamented the current state of the country, pointing out that the APC, despite its initial promises, has failed to combat corruption effectively and has instead exacerbated issues of state capture.
“What is the future of democracy in Nigeria? Is there any prospect that it can produce leaders who are responsive to national challenges?” Lukman questioned. He highlighted pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and the surge in out-of-school children, particularly in the North, as areas needing urgent attention.
Lukman criticized the APC for failing to live up to its promises of good governance. He noted that the economic hardships faced by Nigerians have intensified under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, despite claims by government officials that these issues stem from the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari.
“Although some officials of the government of President Asiwaju Tinubu have attempted to explain the current hardship Nigerians are facing with reference to the bad economy inherited from the previous administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the reality is that both are APC Governments. If anything, APC became very popular in Nigeria on account of the failings of the PDP. What were the failings of the PDP? The failings of the PDP are reflected in the same way today’s challenges are seen under the APC have, in some respects, worsened compared to the issues under the PDP in 2015.