Salihu Lukman, a prominent figure in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has raised alarm over an alleged plot by the party’s leadership to impose preferred candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement titled “ADC and the Prospect of Internal Democracy”, Lukman, a former Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), accused top party leaders of hijacking the party’s internal processes under the guise of zonal leadership arrangements.
He claimed that coalition leaders, initially nominated to negotiate a power-sharing formula among the geopolitical zones, had unilaterally elevated themselves to zonal leaders, bypassing established democratic processes.
“The truth is that the negative side of almost all our opposition political leaders is already at play. Many are taking steps to manipulate the process of leadership reformation of the ADC. Loyalists are being promoted in a manner that suggests, perhaps, the 2027 elections are already won,” Lukman stated.
He, however, expressed optimism that the party could still reform and become a model of internal democracy if urgent corrective measures were taken.
Meanwhile, in Kwara State, former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki has cautioned members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against defecting to the ADC. Saraki made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting with PDP members from the Kwara North and South senatorial districts in Ilorin.
Describing himself as a “messenger called back home to render stewardship,” Saraki briefed party loyalists on the work of the PDP reconciliatory committee which he chairs, the progress of INEC’s ongoing voter registration and revalidation, and his efforts in strengthening the party.
He emphasised that voter registration remains the key to reclaiming the state in 2027 and urged members to remain loyal and engaged in party activities.
The PDP’s state Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, confirmed that Saraki’s visit was also aimed at preparing party stakeholders for the upcoming PDP National Congress in Oyo State.
In a separate development, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, dismissed the chances of the opposition unseating President Bola Tinubu in the next general elections.
Addressing the APC League of Professionals during a visit to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Yilwatda said the achievements recorded under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had positioned the APC for electoral dominance.
He cited student loan initiatives and empowerment programmes as examples of policies that have positively impacted Nigerians, pledging continued support for all APC candidates in future elections.
Yilwatda, who described himself as a bridge between the older and younger generations, reaffirmed the party’s readiness to retain power and deliver on its promises.
