Lukman Warns Opposition Division May Hand Tinubu 2027 Win
A chieftain 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 issued in Abuja on Thursday, Lukman expressed concern that despite rising public dissatisfaction with the APC-led administration, opposition parties appear to be repeating the mistakes that weakened their chances in previous elections.
Key Opposition Figures Cited
The former APC National Vice Chairman (North‑West) singled out former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 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 front against the ruling party.
“Lack of unity among the opposition was largely responsible for the electoral victory of APC. The same reality is manifesting itself again with the same two leading opposition personalities emerging as candidates against President Tinubu,” Lukman said.
He questioned why, if defeating APC and Tinubu is truly their goal, they cannot recognise that division effectively concedes victory to the incumbent.
Opposition Accused of Prioritising Ambition Over National Interest
Lukman argued that many Nigerians are becoming disillusioned with opposition politicians whom he accuses of placing personal political ambitions above the need to build a credible alternative.
“The difference between them is highly artificial. Outside appearances and the personalities emerging as candidates for the 2027 elections, there is hardly anything distinguishing the actors contesting the elections,” he added.
While acknowledging the country’s economic challenges, Lukman maintained that the opposition has yet to present a convincing alternative capable of inspiring public confidence.
He stressed that defeating the APC would require a disciplined and united political platform that puts collective interest above individual ambitions.
“With every passing day, combinations of inaction and replication of old approaches is sending worrying signals that the 2027 election is presenting Nigerians with a choice between the devil and deep blue sea,” Lukman concluded.
