A former national Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has issued a stark warning that if opposition parties fail to oust the APC from power in 2027, it could have disastrous consequences for the country.
In his statement titled “Looming danger of docile political opposition,” Lukman, who also served as the Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), criticized the leading opposition parties for their internal conflicts ahead of the 2027 elections. He expressed concern that these parties, despite discussing potential mergers, have yet to engage in structured political activities within any existing opposition party.

Lukman’s comments come as leaders of some opposition parties have hinted at plans to unite in an effort to dethrone the APC-led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. This move is driven by the current state of affairs in the country, marked by widespread killings, kidnappings, hunger, poverty, and general insecurity.
Lukman highlighted the internal struggles within key opposition parties, stating, “It is quite appalling that PDP leaders are antagonistic to Alh. Atiku Abubakar, while Mr. Peter Obi is embroiled in a leadership battle within the LP, and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is overseeing a directionless NNPP whose leadership is in disarray. Other parties like SDP and PRP have adopted a monarchic approach, waiting for disgruntled leaders to seek their support.”
He argued that these internal conflicts have emboldened President Asiwaju Tinubu and the APC to make insensitive and reckless decisions, further exacerbating the living conditions of citizens.
Lukman emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “If by the end of December 2024, no structured engagement has commenced to develop an alternative political platform based on selfless leadership, it means that any opposition to the APC and President Asiwaju Tinubu in 2027 will be driven by personal ambitions rather than a collective vision.”
He warned that if this scenario unfolds, the risk of producing a government worse than the current one is high, regardless of who leads it. “Any successor government that emerges based on personal ambition rather than a collective vision risks being worse,” Lukman cautioned.