Salihu Lukman, the former North-West Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has revealed that discussions to form a unified opposition party to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 elections are nearing completion.
Lukman made the statement on Monday in response to recent comments by Atiku Abubakar, which revealed that opposition leaders are working on creating a coalition for the upcoming general elections.
Lukman’s remarks come after Abubakar announced that opposition leaders are in talks to form a formidable alliance to take on the APC in 2027.
Lukman acknowledged the intense national debate sparked by Abubakar’s declaration but emphasized that while no final decisions have been made, the consultations are now in the advanced stages.
According to Lukman, the core objective of the discussions is to secure a commitment from opposition leaders to work together, even if it means setting aside their personal ambitions for 2027.
One of the major challenges facing the coalition is selecting a political party to serve as the coalition’s platform.
While some leaders have expressed concerns over zoning, Lukman dismissed media reports suggesting that disagreements over this issue are stalling the process.
He reiterated that the final decision on candidate selection will only come after an agreement is reached on the party platform.
Lukman also revealed that attempts by some coalition members to register new political parties have been thwarted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Moreover, smaller registered political parties that failed to secure any seats in the previous election face the risk of de-registration, which further limits the options for the coalition.
He cautioned that any delay in forming the coalition could result in Nigeria being left with a one-party system, effectively rendering the opposition incapable of mounting a challenge in the 2027 elections.
Lukman urged Nigerians to understand the urgency of the situation, warning that waiting until 2027 to act might lead to a scenario where the ruling APC remains the only viable political force in the country.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the formation of a unified opposition coalition could be a critical factor in shaping the political landscape.
Lukman’s statements highlight the complexity of the negotiations and the challenges ahead, particularly regarding the platform and leadership structure of the coalition.
For the opposition to effectively challenge the APC, it is crucial that these discussions are finalized swiftly to avoid a scenario where the opposition remains fragmented.
