Talks on 2027 Opposition Coalition Nearing Conclusion – Lukman

Former Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-West, Salihu Lukman, has disclosed that discussions on forming a united opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections are close to completion. His remarks come in response to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent revelation that opposition parties are working towards presenting a formidable front against the ruling APC.

Lukman confirmed that Abubakar’s statement has sparked significant national interest, adding that while a final agreement has yet to be reached, consultations among opposition leaders have progressed considerably. He explained that the core objective of the talks is to secure a firm commitment from political leaders to work collectively, even if it requires setting aside individual ambitions for the 2027 race.

A major decision still under discussion is the choice of the political party that will serve as the coalition’s platform. While acknowledging that zoning concerns have been raised, Lukman dismissed media reports suggesting that internal disagreements were delaying the process. He made it clear that the selection of a presidential candidate will only take place after consensus is reached on the coalition’s party platform.

Lukman also revealed that some coalition members had previously attempted to register new political parties, but were unsuccessful due to obstacles posed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In addition, several smaller parties that failed to win seats in the last election are now at risk of being deregistered, limiting viable options for the coalition.

He warned that any further delay in forming a coalition could push Nigeria toward a one-party state, making it nearly impossible for the opposition to mount a credible challenge in 2027. Lukman urged Nigerians to understand the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that failure to act promptly could result in a political landscape dominated solely by the APC.