Former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not allow any high-profile politician to hijack its party structure as the country heads towards the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Tuesday during an appearance on AIT’s political programme Jigsaw, Lukman emphasised that while the coalition is open to credible leaders and aspirants, it will not hand over control of its framework to any single individual, regardless of their popularity or influence.
“We took our time. We did not negotiate with just one individual; we negotiated with the whole leadership,” Lukman said. “What we are telling everybody in the coalition is that the structures of the party will not be handed over to aspiring candidates.”
He explained that the coalition’s vision is to build a resilient party that can hold politicians accountable before and after they secure elective offices.
“We have to build the structures of the party in such a way that the party is strong enough to regulate the conduct of everybody — not just aspiring candidates, but also elected representatives when they win office and assume positions,” he stated.
There has been growing speculation that figures such as former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may seek the ADC’s ticket for the 2027 race.
However, Lukman cautioned that the coalition was not formed simply to serve as a vehicle for any single politician’s ambition.
“This coalition is not just to help anyone become a candidate,” he said. “It is about providing Nigerians with a genuine political alternative in 2027.”
He underscored that the objective is to ensure Nigeria does not slide into a one-party state and that voters have a credible option at the polls.
“All we can say is that whatever happens, Nigerians will have an option. Our right to participate in elections will be exercised beyond the confines of the APC,” Lukman concluded.
His comments come as opposition leaders and political stakeholders continue talks to consolidate alliances and strengthen platforms like the ADC ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested general election in 2027.
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