By Asile Abel
Dr. Lukman Salihu Mohammed, former Northwest Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been named head of the secretariat for a new coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s grip on power ahead of the 2027 elections.
The coalition has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official platform, marking a significant realignment of political forces, Vanguard reports.
A high-ranking source close to the coalition confirmed the development to Vanguard on Wednesday, following a clandestine meeting held Tuesday night in Abuja to finalize the coalition’s structure and strategy.
“Yes, it’s true. Off the record, yes,” the source said, revealing that the ADC was unanimously chosen as the coalition’s vehicle to challenge the APC’s dominance. “The ADC has been adopted as the coalition’s platform, and the secretariat will be headed by Dr. Lukman Salihu Mohammed,” the source added.
Dr. Lukman’s defection from the APC, where he wielded significant influence in the Northwest—a key political stronghold—deals a blow to the ruling party. His leadership of the coalition’s secretariat signals a strategic effort to consolidate opposition forces and erode Tinubu’s support base in the region.
The ADC has been adopted as the coalition’s platform, and the secretariat will be headed by Dr. Lukman Salihu Mohammed
The coalition, still shrouded in secrecy, is expected to release an official statement outlining its agenda soon. However, the source hinted at the challenges of uniting diverse political actors, likening the coalition to “a polygamous family.” “You have to learn to manage the egos of politicians, as they tend to have very big egos,” the source remarked.
Emphasizing inclusivity, the source added, “Even if the first child of the first wife is 30 years older, all first children are treated as equals. It’s about treating everyone as co-equals.”
Dr. Lukman’s move underscores a broader realignment of political loyalties in the North, with the coalition poised to capitalize on growing discontent within the APC. While details of its strategy remain undisclosed, the adoption of the ADC and the appointment of a heavyweight like Dr. Lukman suggest a calculated effort to mount a formidable challenge against Tinubu’s political machine in 2027.
As Nigeria’s political chessboard shifts, all eyes will be on the coalition’s next moves and its ability to unify opposition forces in what promises to be a high-stakes battle for the nation’s future.
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