The former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress, Salihu Lukman, has called on Nigerians to unite in their efforts to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Lukman criticized the country’s current political system and urged the creation of a new, functional political party that prioritizes internal democracy.
He emphasized that this new party must be fundamentally different from existing political groups, including the APC, PDP, LP, and NNPP.
Lukman warned that unless a shift occurs in the political system, the hope for free, fair, and credible elections in 2027 could remain elusive. He stressed the need to reject leaders who behave like emperors and ensure that true democratic leadership emerges in the country.
Additionally, Lukman condemned the prevalent practice of candidates imposing party leaders, who then secure their own nominations, perpetuating the status quo. He argued for a party that allows internal competition and encourages merit-based leadership selection.
With the 2027 elections in mind, Lukman underscored the importance of building a political movement that promotes democratic values. He concluded that without such a shift, even defeating the APC may not result in the kind of political transformation Nigeria urgently needs.
Lukman stated, “The expectation of free, fair, and credible elections in 2027 may elude Nigerians unless we focus on building a political system that prioritizes democratic values. We must reject leaders who behave like emperors and ensure the emergence of truly democratic leadership.”
He noted: “While acknowledging that opposition political leaders, including alienated APC leaders have commenced negotiations towards producing alternative political platforms, it must also be recognised that most Nigerian politicians are not disposed to competitive political culture.
“Largely because most politicians are driven by personal ambitions to contest elections, the default mindset is about imposition and manipulating processes to achieve personal ambitions. This must stop.”
According to him, “As was the case in 2015, we could have relatively free, fair and credible elections in 2027, which may only result in the defeat of APC and President Bola Tinubu with the attendant danger of retaining the status quo of producing leaders who are emperors, who would only pretentiously be committed to resolving Nigeria’s challenges.
“As Nigerians, we must rise to this challenge and make the defeat of APC and President Tinubu not only possible in 2027 but most importantly guarantee the election of truly democratic leaders and not emperors.
“This should be about properly organising a political party that could allow for the emergence of party leaders at all levels through internal competition.
“The practice whereby prospective candidates for election impose leaders of the party, who will in turn crown them as candidates, must change.
“Like in past cases, Nigerians will survive the current challenges. The same way Nigerians outlived military rule, we shall outlive this era of emperors and in 2025 produce a truly democratic political party, which could guarantee internal political competition as foundation for the restoration of national political competition.”
