Opposition political figures, including disgruntled members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), are reportedly in talks to establish a new political party aimed at defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
This revelation came in a New Year message titled “Political Competition Should Define New Nigeria,” by Dr. Salihu Lukman, the former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), who resigned from the party in 2024.
Lukman urged Nigerians to join forces in creating a viable political platform that could rival the dominance of the APC and other established parties, such as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
He stressed the importance of electing true democratic leaders over authoritarian figures and warned that continued political monopoly risks undermining effective leadership and perpetuating the country’s challenges.
Although Lukman did not reveal the names of the opposition leaders involved in these discussions, he emphasized that the success of this new platform hinged on Nigerians’ commitment to forming a party that would adhere to democratic principles and operate distinctively from the existing parties.
Meanwhile, the NNPP expressed concerns over what it perceives as the APC’s attempt to create a one-party state, accusing the administration of anti-people policies.
The party’s leader in Kano, Hashimu Suleiman Dungurawa, warned that such actions could lead to a loss of support for the ruling party in the 2027 elections.
In another development, former Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), who contested under the LP in 2023, declared his intention to run again in 2027.
He did not disclose whether he would remain with the Labour Party or shift to another platform, but emphasized the importance of opposition unity in the upcoming race.
The PDP in Kebbi State also reassured its members that the party remains unified, despite speculations of defections to the APC.
The state chairman, Alhaji Usman Bello-Suru, dismissed reports of an impending mass exodus, stressing that the PDP would continue its role as a strong opposition force in the state.
In another statement, former Anambra Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, called for urgent reforms from President Tinubu, criticizing his foreign trips and the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria.
Obi cited alarming statistics, including over 100 million Nigerians living in extreme poverty, and proposed sweeping reforms aimed at addressing Nigeria’s crises.
The ruling APC, however, dismissed Obi’s remarks as misleading, claiming that significant progress had been made under Tinubu’s administration, including improvements in economic indicators, national security, and anti-corruption efforts.
The APC maintained that the nation is on a path to sustainable growth and urged Nigerians to remain confident in the government’s plans for a prosperous future.
