A former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Salihu Lukman, has warned that the 2027 general election could become a mere “coronation” if opposition parties fail to unite against the ruling APC.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Lukman said the continued division among opposition parties is strengthening the APC’s chances while weakening Nigerians’ confidence in the country’s democratic process.
“I would say that 2027 will be more of a coronation than an election. The pain every Nigerian is going through is that Nigeria is not changing for the better,” Lukman said.
According to him, the economic hardship currently being experienced by Nigerians speaks louder than any opinion poll.
“You don’t need a poll to know Nigerians are suffering. The reality is reflected in the daily lives of citizens. People are struggling and the economy is becoming more difficult,” he stated.
Lukman revealed that discussions aimed at building a united opposition coalition had lasted for almost two years but failed to produce the level of unity many Nigerians expected.
He blamed the opposition’s inability to work together for what he described as the growing confidence of the ruling APC.
“The arrogance of the APC today is largely because the opposition has failed to present a united front capable of challenging the ruling party. We have practically gone back to where we were in 2023,” he said.
He also warned that a divided opposition could discourage voter participation and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
“Confidence in the electoral process is already low. If people begin to believe the outcome is predetermined, voter apathy will increase and the election may simply become a coronation,” Lukman added.
Reflecting on his role in the formation of the APC in 2013, Lukman admitted the party had drifted away from its original progressive ideals.
He also criticised the implementation of major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate liberalisation, arguing that they were introduced without adequate measures to cushion their effects on ordinary Nigerians.
Lukman concluded by urging opposition leaders to put national interest ahead of personal ambition by negotiating and supporting a single presidential candidate capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative.
“My appeal is simple. Opposition leaders must prove that they love Nigeria more than their personal ambitions. They should negotiate, unite and present one credible candidate Nigerians can rally behind in 2027,” he said.
Source: Channels Television
