Salihu Mohammed Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has warned that if opposition parties fail to wrest power from the APC in 2027, it could have dire consequences for the country......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
In a statement titled “Looming Danger of Docile Political Opposition,” Lukman, who is also a former Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), criticized the leading opposition parties for being mired in internal conflicts as the 2027 elections approach.
Lukman expressed concern that discussions of a possible merger among opposition parties have not yet progressed to meaningful political engagement within any existing opposition platforms.
Some opposition leaders have hinted at plans to unite in an effort to unseat the APC-led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing issues such as rising insecurity, poverty, and general instability in the country.
Lukman highlighted the internal strife within major opposition parties, noting that leaders in the PDP are antagonistic towards Atiku Abubakar, while Peter Obi is struggling with leadership challenges in the Labour Party, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is overseeing a disorganized NNPP, which is facing internal turmoil. He also criticized other parties like the SDP and PRP for adopting a passive approach, waiting for discontented leaders to seek their support.
He argued that these issues have emboldened President Tinubu and the APC to make decisions that worsen the living conditions of citizens.
Lukman warned that if no structured engagement begins by the end of December 2024, with a strategic initiative to create an alternative political platform based on selfless leadership, any opposition to the APC in 2027 will be driven by personal ambitions rather than genuine political goals.
He cautioned that such a scenario could result in a government that is even worse than the current one, regardless of whether it is led by Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, or any other political leader.