A senior figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Salihu Moh Lukman, has warned that ongoing divisions and personal ambitions among opposition leaders could pave the way for President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure another term in the 2027 general election.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, Lukman expressed concern that despite widespread dissatisfaction with the APC‑led administration, opposition parties appear to be repeating the strategic errors that weakened them in past elections.
Key Opposition Figures Highlighted
Lukman singled out former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s presidential hopeful Peter Obi, ex‑Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as prominent politicians whose individual presidential aspirations could fragment the opposition’s effort to unseat the ruling party.
He remarked, “Lack of unity among the opposition was largely responsible for the APC’s electoral victory. The same pattern is emerging again, with the same two leading opposition figures positioning themselves as candidates against President Tinubu.”
Lukman questioned the sincerity of their motives, asking, “If their true goal is to defeat the APC and President Tinubu, why do they fail to see that division essentially hands victory to the ruling party?”
Call for a United Opposition
The ADC chieftain argued that many Nigerians are growing disillusioned with opposition politicians whom he accuses of prioritising personal ambition over building a credible alternative.
He added that, aside from superficial differences and the personalities of the candidates, there is little that distinguishes the various contenders. Lukman stressed that defeating the APC will require a disciplined, united political platform that places collective interest above individual aspirations.
“With each passing day, the combination of inaction and the repetition of old tactics sends a troubling signal: the 2027 election may present Nigerians with a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea,” Lukman concluded.
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