Former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has called on opposition parties and critical stakeholders to mobilize Nigerians towards dislodging the APC in the 2027 elections.
In a statement on Saturday, Lukman emphasized that defeating the APC is essential to addressing the myriad of challenges facing the country.
Lukman, who previously served as Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), urged a united front similar to the coalition that successfully transitioned Nigeria from military to civilian rule and later ousted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.
“Time for a New Democratic Platform”
Lukman stated, “Patriotic Nigerians and democrats must resume the business of national mobilisation to produce an alternative democratic platform to APC and all the charades of registered political parties.
We must summon the courage and believe in the power of possibility.”
He compared the current situation to past struggles, asserting that a new, viable democratic platform is necessary to challenge the APC’s “unplanned leadership” under President Bola Tinubu.
Growing Discontent
Nigerians are increasingly frustrated by a range of issues, including rampant killings, kidnappings, food insecurity, and rising costs of electricity and transportation.
These problems have been exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies under the APC-led government.
Criticism of APC’s Leadership
Lukman criticized the APC for deviating from its original vision, reducing itself to a mere electoral vehicle.
He said, “Perhaps, we need to accept the correctness of the campaign against the APC that many leaders of the party, including former President Buhari and now President Asiwaju Tinubu, only agreed to come together to grab power, which was not associated with the needed commitment to deliver services to address national challenges.
Sadly, with the mission to grab power, they ‘promise (everything) and did nothing.’”
Call for a Comprehensive Political Strategy
Lukman outlined the need for a political strategy that transcends mere electoral victories.
He proposed a party structure capable of binding agreements among members, ensuring accountability, and mobilizing necessary resources.
He emphasized, “The negotiations to produce an alternative political platform, which can move Nigerian democracy forward must prioritise the development of a functional political party structure based on the ability to answer some of these practical questions.”
He further urged against relying on “old opportunistic political warriors” who have repeatedly contested elections since 1999 without substantial progress.
A Plea for Unity
Lukman concluded by calling on all patriotic Nigerians to return to the democratic trenches and strive for a future beyond the current stagnation.
“It will be defeatist to expect anyone to provide the answers.
Only those patriotic Nigerians who are ready to resume mobilisation and negotiations to move Nigerian democracy beyond the current lethargic state can begin to provide answers to these practical questions,” he stated.
