A former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Salihu Lukman, has warned that Nigeria’s 2027 general election risks becoming “more of a coronation than an election” if opposition parties fail to unite behind a common platform.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Lukman said the continued fragmentation of opposition parties has handed the ruling APC a significant advantage ahead of the next general election.
“I would say that 2027 will be more of a coronation than an election,” Lukman said, arguing that the absence of a formidable opposition could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He maintained that many Nigerians are already dissatisfied with the country’s economic situation, noting that citizens do not need opinion polls to understand the depth of the hardship they are experiencing.
According to Lukman, opposition leaders have spent nearly two years discussing the formation of a broad political coalition but have yet to reach an agreement capable of presenting a credible alternative to the ruling party.
He argued that the inability of opposition parties to resolve their differences has strengthened the APC’s political position and reduced the chances of a competitive election.
“The arrogance of the APC today is largely because the opposition has failed to present a united front capable of challenging the ruling party,” he said.
Lukman further warned that if opposition parties remain divided, voter apathy could worsen, as many Nigerians may begin to believe that the outcome of the election is predetermined.
He also reflected on his role in the formation of the APC in 2013, saying the party had drifted from the progressive ideals upon which it was founded. According to him, repeated appeals by some founding members for reforms within the party failed to produce meaningful change.
The former APC chieftain criticised the implementation of key economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and exchange rate liberalisation, arguing that they were introduced without sufficient measures to cushion their impact on ordinary Nigerians. He cited rising inflation, increasing food prices and declining agricultural productivity as evidence that many citizens have yet to benefit from the reforms.
Despite his criticism of the ruling party, Lukman said the responsibility for offering Nigerians a viable political alternative rests largely with the opposition. He urged opposition leaders to put national interest ahead of personal ambition by negotiating and rallying behind a single presidential candidate.
“My appeal is simple. Opposition leaders must prove that they love Nigeria more than their personal ambitions. They should negotiate, unite and present one credible candidate Nigerians can rally behind in 2027,” he said.
