Former APC Chieftain Lukman Warns Opposition Parties Must Strategize to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

Salihu Mohammed Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed concerns over the inability of Nigeria’s opposition parties to effectively challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 elections.

In a statement, Lukman highlighted the lack of serious, structured political engagement among the opposition, warning that without a unified and strategic approach, removing Tinubu from power would be an uphill battle.

He emphasized that President Tinubu appears well-prepared and that his administration is likely to continue unchallenged unless the opposition significantly ramps up its efforts.

Lukman criticized the disarray within key opposition parties, noting that internal conflicts and lack of direction are undermining their ability to present a formidable challenge to the APC.

“It is quite appalling, for instance, that PDP leaders are antagonistic to Alh. Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi is in the midst of a helpless survival leadership battle in LP, and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is overseeing a directionless NNPP,” Lukman stated.

He also expressed concern that other parties, such as the SDP and PRP, are adopting a passive approach, waiting for disgruntled leaders to seek them out rather than proactively building a coalition.

According to Lukman, if opposition parties do not begin serious, structured political engagement by the end of December 2024, any attempt to challenge Tinubu in 2027 will be based on the personal ambitions of individual leaders rather than a collective strategy.

“The risk of producing a government that is worse than the current one will be high,” he cautioned, urging opposition leaders to unite

He warned that this could result in a successor government that is even worse than the current one.