Amid mounting concerns over Nigeria’s political direction and governance, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on former Nigerian leaders to unite and establish a new political party to address the country’s challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Call for Action: Nigeria Needs “Godly Leaders”

In an open letter addressed to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lukman highlighted the urgent need for a functional political platform that prioritizes good governance and the welfare of Nigerians. He specifically appealed to former heads of state and presidents, including:

• Olusegun Obasanjo (former President)
• Yakubu Gowon (former Head of State)
• Ibrahim Babangida (former Military President)
• Abdulsalami Abubakar (former Head of State)
• Goodluck Jonathan (former President)
• Muhammadu Buhari (immediate past President)

Lukman’s appeal was prompted by Obasanjo’s recent statement published on December 8, 2024, where the former president remarked:

“A leader made by Satan is bound to fail, while God’s chosen one will thrive.”

Reacting to the comment, Lukman emphasized that Nigeria requires “godly leaders” to address the country’s socio-political and economic struggles:

“Everything must be done to put Nigeria on the roadmap of producing godly leaders… Leaders such as Your Excellency, together with Gen. Gowon, Gen. Babangida, Gen. Abdulsalami, former President Jonathan, and former President Buhari have the huge moral obligation of engaging all opposition political leaders in the country to unite.”

Why a New Political Party? Lukman’s Perspective

Lukman’s call for a new political platform stems from increasing disillusionment with the current political system, which he believes has failed to deliver effective governance and meet the needs of Nigerians.

1. Dysfunctional Political Landscape

The former APC chieftain expressed deep concerns about the state of the ruling party and the lack of credible alternatives for Nigerians. He noted that the political landscape has been marred by:

• Internal crises and lack of unity within parties.
• Self-serving leadership, rather than a focus on national development.
• Poor governance and worsening living conditions for citizens.

2. Need for Moral Leadership

Lukman underscored the importance of having leaders with moral integrity who prioritize the interests of Nigerians over personal ambition. He urged the former leaders to leverage their experience and moral standing to bring together opposition forces for the common good.

“We need a political platform that reflects the true aspirations of Nigerians… A credible alternative that will deliver good governance and rescue Nigeria from its current trajectory.”

The 2027 Elections: What’s at Stake?

The call for a new political party comes as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history. Key issues that are likely to define the elections include:

1. Economic Crisis and Rising Poverty

Nigeria continues to grapple with:

• Soaring inflation and unemployment rates.
• Food insecurity and poverty, affecting millions of households.
• Currency devaluation and increased cost of living.

2. Insecurity Across the Nation

From banditry in the North to separatist agitations in the South, the country faces widespread security challenges that demand urgent solutions from visionary leaders.

3. Disillusionment with Existing Political Parties

Nigerians are growing increasingly frustrated with the inability of major political parties, including the APC and PDP, to provide solutions to pressing national problems. A new political movement could present fresh hope and inspire trust among the electorate.

A United Opposition: Lessons from History

Lukman’s proposal for a coalition of leaders and opposition forces draws parallels to successful political movements in Nigerian history, such as the:

• 1999 Democratic Transition: A period marked by a unified opposition against military rule.
• 2015 APC Victory: The merger of opposition parties that led to the first defeat of an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history.

By uniting under a common platform, Lukman believes former leaders can replicate such successes and provide a credible alternative for Nigerians in 2027.

Challenges to a New Political Party

While Lukman’s call is bold and visionary, there are significant hurdles to achieving this goal:

1. Political Divisions: Convincing former leaders and opposition parties to set aside personal differences and interests.
2. Public Skepticism: Nigerians may remain wary of any new political movement, fearing it could replicate the failures of existing parties.
3. Funding and Organization: Establishing a national political party requires massive resources, grassroots mobilization, and strong organizational structures.

What Next? Calls for Immediate Action

Lukman urged former leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take practical steps to initiate dialogue and collaboration with opposition parties, civil society groups, and technocrats. He emphasized the need to:

• Develop a clear vision for Nigeria’s development.
• Engage youth and women in the political process.
• Prioritize good governance, accountability, and transparency as core values.

Conclusion: A Call for Leadership and Unity

Salihu Lukman’s call to action reflects a growing sentiment among Nigerians for transformational leadership and a functional political platform that prioritizes national development. As 2027 draws closer, the onus lies on former leaders, opposition forces, and Nigerians at large to rise above partisanship and work towards a united, prosperous future.

Whether Lukman’s vision will materialize remains to be seen, but his bold appeal has sparked a crucial conversation about the future of Nigerian politics and the role of leadership in driving change.