A former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has penned an open letter to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, urging him to lead efforts in uniting opposition leaders to form a new political party capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections.
Lukman referenced a December 8 interview where Obasanjo reportedly stated that “a leader made by Satan is bound to fail, while God’s chosen one will thrive.
In response, Lukman emphasized the need for Nigeria to produce leaders with what he termed “Godly genotypes” and called on Obasanjo, alongside other former leaders like Generals Yakubu Gowon, Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan, to take moral responsibility in facilitating this process.
In his letter, Lukman urged collective action to address the nation’s leadership challenges.
He asserted that the failure of past leaders to assert their moral authority could pave the way for another term of what he described as “failed leadership” under Tinubu and the APC.
He lamented that political and governance systems in the country have devolved into platforms for impunity and self-serving interests.
Lukman argued that without significant reforms, new political parties could end up being replicas of the APC and PDP.
He stressed the urgency of creating a functional political platform to foster leadership grounded in moral principles, warning that the failure to unite opposition leaders could result in even worse outcomes in 2027.
He also highlighted resistance among some opposition leaders to unification efforts, citing personal ambitions and regional interests as barriers.
Lukman accused some individuals of playing divisive games, forming regional “democratic” bodies, and strategizing for personal gains rather than the collective good.
He warned that these actions could lead to the emergence of another generation of “Satanic leaders.”
According to Lukman, the APC capitalized on the opposition’s division during the 2023 elections, which he described as a significant factor in the party’s victory.
He expressed concerns that similar divisions could ensure the APC’s dominance in 2027 unless opposition leaders come together.
Lukman concluded by criticizing those unwilling to collaborate for the greater good, accusing them of indirectly aiding the APC.
He warned that some of these individuals, driven by personal ambitions, could afford to act recklessly due to their privileged positions or dual citizenships, which insulate them from the consequences of their actions on Nigeria’s future.