Opposition Leaders Forge New Party Ahead Of 2027 Elections, Aiming To Break Status Quo

Abuja, Nigeria – With the 2027 general elections looming, a coalition of opposition leaders, including disgruntled members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is reportedly forming a new political platform, according to a prominent figure’s New Year message.

Dr. Salihu Lukman, former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), revealed the ongoing negotiations in his 2025 New Year message, titled “Political Competition Should Define the New Nigeria.” Lukman harshly criticised the current political landscape, blaming self-serving leaders for the country’s ongoing struggles and widespread disillusionment.

“As long as we continue to live in a state of misery, disbelief, and negativity, we will be unable to produce positive results,” Lukman stated.

He claimed that this cycle perpetuates the election of leaders with questionable motives and insufficient initiatives to address Nigeria’s problems.

Lukman was unequivocal in his assessment of existing political parties, claiming that they have consistently disappointed Nigerians.

He warned that unless significant changes are made, the 2027 elections risk repeating previous failures, potentially resulting in the re-election of leaders he described as “emperors” more concerned with personal power than national progress.

He explicitly stated that the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be defeated in 2027, but emphasised the importance of replacing them with truly democratic leaders.

This, he contended, necessitates the formation of a new political party fundamentally different from the established players – the APC, PDP, LP, and NNPP – one dedicated to internal democracy and fair competition.

While acknowledging the early stages of this new party’s formation, Lukman expressed concern about the prevalence of personal ambition among Nigerian politicians, which frequently leads to process manipulation for personal gain.

He urged opposition leaders to prioritise genuine competition within their new party, warning that imposing candidates would only exacerbate existing issues.

Lukman ended his message with a call to action for Nigerians, encouraging them to actively shape their political future.

He emphasised that ordinary Nigerians’ passivity empowers politicians’ self-serving actions, and that a renewed sense of civic engagement is critical to breaking the cycle of disappointment and achieving significant political change.

He expressed confidence that a new political reality, marked by genuine competition and effective leadership, is within reach.