Salihu Moh. Lukman, the former National Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Northwest Nigeria, has voiced serious concerns about the absence of effective political parties within the country’s electoral framework. In a statement released on Monday, he warned that this situation poses significant risks to the Nigerian populace. Lukman highlighted a prevailing belief among citizens that finding capable leaders to navigate Nigeria out of its current predicaments is nearly impossible. He attributed this sentiment to the current opposition leaders, who are part of the political establishment that has contributed to the nation’s ongoing issues.
Reflecting on past administrations, Lukman noted that while former President Goodluck Jonathan faced his share of criticism, former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure proved even more disappointing, failing to fulfill the hopes of the Nigerian people. Now, he argues that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is further compounding these problems. In less than two years, Lukman claims, President Tinubu has made life increasingly difficult for Nigerians in unprecedented ways.
Lukman pointed out that under Tinubu’s leadership, the political landscape has been paradoxically weakened by an elected leader undermining the very structures of his own party. This has resulted in a scenario where Nigeria is perceived as a democracy devoid of functional political parties. He stressed that the campaign to “rescue Nigeria” should not merely revolve around defeating the APC and President Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Instead, it should focus on developing a comprehensive vision for the nation’s future.
He warned that merely establishing a new political party to field candidates for various offices—from the presidency to local assemblies—could lead to a weak opposition, indistinguishable from existing parties like the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Lukman emphasized the importance of opposition leaders demonstrating a sincere commitment to breaking away from destructive political practices that reduce parties to mere election platforms.
He proposed that the leadership of any new opposition party should consist of genuine members of the opposition, rather than mere placeholders. Key figures such as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal should occupy essential roles like National Chairman and National Secretary. Additionally, disillusioned leaders from the APC, including Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Chief Rotimi Amaechi, should also contribute to forming this new political opposition.
Lukman concluded that the composition of the new opposition’s leadership would reveal whether its agenda is merely focused on winning elections or truly committed to building a robust party capable of holding elected officials accountable. He noted that excluding frontline opposition figures would only perpetuate the existing political status quo, as demonstrated by ongoing issues related to party funding within the APC.