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Political Party begun discussions aimed at creating an alternative political platform
ABUJA, Nigeria- In anticipation of the 2027 elections, opposition political figures, including disenchanted leaders from the All Progressives Congress (APC), have begun discussions aimed at creating an alternative political platform. Dr. Salihu Lukman, the former National Vice Chairman for the North-West of APC, revealed this in his New Year message for 2025.
He expressed that self-serving leaders at all levels have contributed to a near-constant state of suffering, skepticism, and negativity among Nigerians.
In his message titled ‘Political Competition should Define New Nigeria,’ Lukman emphasized that as long as the nation remains in a state of despair, disbelief, and negativity, the ability to achieve positive results will continue to evade the populace.
He warned that this situation would lead to the emergence of ineffective leaders whose intentions would remain questionable, lacking the necessary initiatives to tackle Nigeria’s issues.
Lukman pointed out that Nigerian political parties have consistently let down the citizens, urging them to awaken and take control of their own futures.
He stated, “With few exceptions, Nigerian political parties have disappointed the populace uniformly. Predictably, as we approach 2027, politicians and political parties are likely to disappoint Nigerians on an even larger scale.”
He cautioned that the hopes for free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria might once again be dashed. Alternatively, as seen in 2015, there could be relatively free and fair elections in 2027, potentially resulting in the defeat of the APC and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which could perpetuate the cycle of electing leaders who act like emperors, superficially committed to solving Nigeria’s problems.
Lukman urged Nigerians to rise to the occasion, making the defeat of the APC and President Asiwaju not just feasible in 2027, but also ensuring the election of genuinely democratic leaders rather than emperors.
He stressed that this can only happen if Nigerians unite to create a functional political party that adheres to its own regulations, distinctly different from the APC, PDP, LP, NNPP, and other existing registered parties.
While acknowledging that opposition leaders, including estranged APC members, are negotiating to form an alternative political platform, he noted that many Nigerian politicians are not inclined towards a competitive political culture. This is largely due to their personal ambitions, leading to a mindset focused on imposition and manipulation to fulfill individual goals. This trend must change.
Lukman reminded political leaders that to demonstrate their genuine commitment to rescuing Nigeria, they must move beyond the superficial claims of prioritizing collective ambitions over personal ones. Opposition leaders should embrace political competition as the foundation for selecting leaders at all levels.
He cautioned that if opposition leaders continue to approach leadership selection with strategies aimed at imposing themselves, they contribute to Nigeria’s ongoing issues. They may deceive themselves into believing in imposition through various processes, but as long as political competition is undermined, the cycle of misery, disbelief, and negativity will persist.
To the Nigerian populace, he urged everyone to awaken and take charge of their destinies. The strength and boldness of Nigerian politicians stem from the complacency and passivity of ordinary citizens. If the majority of Nigerians view politics as the exclusive domain of politicians, the risks of undermining political competition and electing poor leaders, with the resulting consequences of enduring a state of misery, disbelief, and negativity, will be significant.
Nigerians must enter 2025 with a hopeful mindset, believing that it is indeed possible to create a new political reality in the country. It is feasible to establish a political party that can ensure political competition in Nigeria as the basis for leadership selection at all levels.
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