2027: Opposition plotting new party to defeat Tinubu, says Lukman

● NNPP accuses FG of moves to establish one-party system in Nigeria
● Rhodes-Vivour declares intention to contest Lagos guber
● Kebbi PDP assures members amid rumoured defections to APC
● APC: Peter Obi misleading Nigerians to score cheap political gains
● LP presidential candidate calls on Tinubu to tackle deepening crisis

Opposition political leaders, including disenchanted members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have begun negotiations to create an alternative political platform to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

This was disclosed in a New Year message titled “Political Competition Should Define New Nigeria,” by the immediate past APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Dr Salihu Lukman. He urged Nigerians to rise to the occasion by making the defeat of the APC and President Tinubu a reality in 2027. He also emphasised the importance of electing truly democratic leaders rather than authoritarian figures.

Lukman, who resigned from the APC last year, did not disclose the names of opposition figures involved in discussions to establish a new political party. He argued that this objective could only be achieved if Nigerians commit to creating a functional political party that respects its rules and operates distinctly from the APC, PDP, LP, NNPP, and other existing registered parties.

Expressing concern about the lack of a competitive political culture among Nigerian politicians, Lukman warned opposition leaders that if they continue to approach leadership selection through strategies of self-imposition, they remain part of Nigeria’s problems.

The Kaduna-born politician remarked that when many Nigerians concede politics to the monopoly of so-called politicians, the risks of undermining political competition and producing ineffective leaders, along with the attendant consequences of perpetual misery, disbelief, and negativity, become significantly heightened.

Lukman called on Nigerians to enter 2025 with optimism, asserting that creating a new political reality in the country is possible. He added that it is feasible to build a political party capable of guaranteeing political competition as the foundation for leadership selection at all levels.

He added: “Through the right political alignments, reorganisation, and innovative initiatives, we can foster a new orientation of resourcefulness, productivity, and innovation that will define a new Nigeria. As a nation, our quest for happiness, belief in our potential, and positive disposition can enable us to overcome challenges and remain resilient.”

Lukman’s submission came as the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) expressed concern over an alleged plan by President Tinubu’s administration to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

Speaking in Kano yesterday, the NNPP chairman in the state, Hashimu Suleiman Dungurawa, accused the Federal Government of implementing “anti-people policies” and urged it to reverse these policies before the end of its tenure in 2027.

Dungurawa said, “The only challenge we are facing now is the Federal Government’s plan to make the country a one-party system. However, we will continue to advise the government to intensify efforts in providing policies that alleviate the suffering of the people.”

While addressing journalists, Dungurawa argued that Nigerians are dissatisfied with the APC-led administration, predicting that the ruling party would face a reversal of its fortunes in the 2027 elections.

The NNPP leader also dismissed claims by the Kano APC that the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, was a “political refugee” seeking relevance.

Contrary to the APC’s assertions, Dungurawa insisted that Kwankwaso remains a bona fide member and national leader of the NNPP, with no intention of joining the APC. He described Kwankwaso as a “true democrat” who has historically resisted aligning with ruling parties, recalling that he defected from the then-ruling PDP to spearhead the formation of the APC, which went on to secure power in 2015.

“Certainly, Kwankwaso is not a political refugee as claimed by the APC,” Dungurawa said. “He is a true democrat who fights injustice and misrule to bring about change in Nigeria.”

Dungurawa further highlighted Kwankwaso’s role in the APC’s victories at the federal level and in Kano State in 2015, attributing the party’s successes, including State and National Assembly wins, to Kwankwaso’s efforts. The NNPP chairman expressed confidence that Kwankwaso would contest and win the 2027 presidential election, declaring, “By God’s grace, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso will become the next president of Nigeria.”

Dungurawa also vowed that the NNPP would defeat the APC in Kano and across Nigeria in 2027, predicting a more resounding victory than that recorded in the 2023 general elections.

NNPP’s allegation against the ruling party came as former Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), announced his intention to contest the governorship election in 2027.

Rhodes-Vivour, who vied for the position under the Labour Party (LP) in 2023 but lost to incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC, made the declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

The politician affirmed his commitment to achieving his ambition to lead Lagos State, stating that he remains undeterred by his previous defeat. When asked if he would join the 2027 race, he responded, “By God’s grace, yes.”

Rhodes-Vivour, however, did not disclose whether he would contest under the LP or switch to another political platform. He emphasised the need for opposition parties to unite ahead of the next election, warning that fragmented opposition could be counterproductive.

“I believe that if all parties do not come together, it is going to be a waste of time running in 2027 because there is a full state capture happening in this country now,” he said.

The 2023 candidate also reiterated his commitment to strengthening the Labour Party, saying, “For now, my job is to ensure that I have a strong party – Labour Party.”

IN another opposition story, the PDP in Kebbi State has reassured its members that the party remains united and steadfast despite speculations of possible defections to the APC.

The state chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Usman Bello-Suru, gave the assurance yesterday while addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi. Responding to reports suggesting that some prominent members might leave the party, Bello-Suru said: “To the insinuations that some members of the PDP in the state are making arrangements to defect to the ruling party, I assure our members that the PDP remains one indivisible entity that will continue to play its role as an opposition party in the state.

“The ongoing meetings by certain individuals with the intent to mobilise party members for their selfish interests will not weaken the strength of the PDP across the 21 local councils of Kebbi.”

Bello-Suru called on party supporters to remain calm and focused, assuring them that the leadership was closely monitoring the situation and would provide updates in due course.

There are indications that Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central under the PDP, may soon declare his defection to the APC. Sources revealed that hundreds of his supporters, led by his younger brother, Alhaji Abba Aliero, held a consultative meeting with Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday evening.

Following the meeting, Abba Aliero told journalists: “We were invited for a friendly discussion with His Excellency, the Governor. We have sought time to consult with our grassroots supporters, and the public will be informed of our decision in due course.”

Although Senator Aliero was absent, his close associates, including the PDP deputy gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, Sama’ila Bui, former Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Muhammadu Magawata-Aliero, and former Chairman of Dandi Local Government Council, Abubakar Salihu Dila-Kamba, were present.

Political analysts have described Governor Idris as the “Father of Political Unity” in Kebbi, while Senator Aliero is seen as the “Master Card” of the state’s politics.

During a recent public event in Birnin Kebbi, Aliero commended Governor Idris for his governance and rapid development of the state, declaring that the elections were over and unity was paramount.

In the 2023 senatorial elections, Aliero contested under the PDP and defeated the then-incumbent Governor Atiku Bagudu of the APC. Before the polls, Aliero had defected from the APC to the PDP to secure the Kebbi Central Senatorial District ticket, which he won.

MEANWHILE, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address Nigeria’s escalating crises with urgency, transparency, and decisive reforms.

In a New Year message, Obi painted a grim picture of the nation, warning that Nigeria’s worsening economic collapse, insecurity, and hunger constitute a “national emergency.” He highlighted alarming statistics, including over 100 million Nigerians living in extreme poverty and 150 million facing multidimensional hardship.

Obi lamented the country’s decline from Africa’s largest economy in 2014 to fourth place today, with GDP shrinking to $200 billion and per capita income dropping to $1,000. He cited the 2024 Global Hunger Index, which ranks Nigeria 110th out of 127 countries, and criticised the inadequacy of the new N70,000 minimum wage, noting it cannot even buy a bag of rice.

The former governor also criticised Tinubu’s 180 days of foreign trips in 580 days in office, urging the President to focus on domestic challenges through state-by-state tours to assess economic and security conditions. “Mr President, Nigeria is bleeding. We need you here at home, not abroad,” Obi asserted.

He proposed sweeping reforms, including cutting governance costs to fund security and education, aggressive anti-corruption measures, and ensuring all borrowings are tied to regenerative investments. Obi also called for credible elections, institutional reforms, and inclusivity to rebuild public trust in democracy.

Borrowing Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, Obi declared, “We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. This is no time for apathy or complacency.”
REACTING, however, APC accused Obi of misleading Nigerians to gain political advantage.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC described Obi’s New Year message, in which he claimed that the nation’s political, economic, and security situation is worsening, as mischievous and misleading.

The APC criticised Obi’s remarks, stating that they came at a time when indicators, according to the party, show significant progress across all sectors of the Nigerian economy. The party claimed this paints Obi as Nigeria’s leading “doomsayer.”

It cited evidence of economic progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including balance of trade surpluses, trillions in stock market wealth creation, increased foreign direct investments, enhanced foreign reserves, and a reduction in debt servicing ratios from 90 per cent to about 64 per cent.

The APC also highlighted higher incomes for farmers, increased federal allocations to states and local governments, the restart of the moribund Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, improvements in oil production and exports, the decimation of terrorist leaders, and a general improvement in national security. These achievements, the APC claimed, are part of ongoing reforms aimed at achieving a $1 trillion economy and fostering sustainable growth.

On the issue of corruption, the party pointed to ongoing investigations and prosecutions as proof of the administration’s commitment. The APC dismissed Obi’s comments on corruption as redundant, describing them as a case of “carrying coal to Newcastle.” It also criticised Obi’s tenure as Governor of Anambra State, claiming it lacked significant achievements, and accused him of inciting public outrage out of political desperation.

The APC therefore urged Nigerians to remain patient and confident in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring them that the administration is laying a deep economic foundation for a vibrant and prosperous Nigeria.