Division Among Opposition Leaders Could Gift Tinubu 2027 Victory, Warns ADC Chieftain Lukman

A senior member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Salihu Moh Lukman, has warned that ongoing divisions and personal ambitions among opposition leaders could hand President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) another electoral victory in the 2027 general election.

In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, Lukman expressed concern that, despite widespread public dissatisfaction with the APC-led administration, opposition parties appear to be repeating the mistakes that weakened their chances in previous elections.

The former APC National Vice Chairman (North‑West) singled out former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex‑Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as prominent opposition figures whose individual presidential aspirations could undermine a united effort to unseat the ruling party.

“Lack of unity among the opposition was largely responsible for the APC’s electoral victory. The same pattern is emerging again, with the two leading opposition personalities positioning themselves as candidates against President Tinubu,” Lukman said.

He questioned, “If their true goal is to defeat APC and President Tinubu, why do they fail to see that division essentially hands victory to the ruling party?”

Lukman argued that many Nigerians are growing disillusioned with opposition politicians whom he accuses of prioritising personal ambition over building a credible alternative.

“Beyond the surface differences and the personalities emerging as candidates for 2027, there is hardly anything distinguishing the actors contesting the election,” he added.

While acknowledging the nation’s economic challenges, Lukman maintained that the opposition has yet to present a convincing alternative capable of inspiring public confidence.

According to him, defeating the APC will require a disciplined and united political platform that places collective interest above individual ambitions.

“With each passing day, inaction and the repetition of old strategies send worrying signals that the 2027 election is offering Nigerians a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea,” he concluded.