Salihu Lukman: No Automatic Tickets for 2027 – Parties Must Embrace Internal Democracy
Dr. Salihu Lukman, former Northwest Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a strong call to Nigeria’s opposition parties: reject automatic tickets for any presidential, gubernatorial, or legislative candidate in the 2027 elections.
In an interview held in Abuja on Tuesday, Lukman outlined a bold political vision rooted in internal democracy, accountability, and a break from old habits of political favoritism.
“Neither the president, governors, nor lawmakers should be handed automatic endorsements,” he said. “We made a mistake when President Buhari received one during his second term. That shouldn’t become the standard.”
Lukman insisted that political parties must empower their members to freely choose candidates through transparent processes. He criticized the culture of elite endorsement and entrenched interests that often undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
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As part of a broader strategy, Lukman revealed that a blueprint committee will soon be formed to tackle critical issues in Northern Nigeria, including poverty, education, and governance.
“We must adopt a new approach. Candidates should not emerge based on tribal, regional, or political entrenchment, only to become unaccountable after elections,” he said.
The former APC leader didn’t hold back in criticizing politicians who switch parties to secure political advantage. He condemned governors who defect to the APC simply to guarantee second terms, calling such moves a betrayal of public trust.
“When governors jump ship just to retain power, it shows they may never have deserved the position. These privileges are meant for service—not selfish gain,” he warned.
Lukman also weighed in on the growing debate over zoning and whether a Southern candidate should lead the opposition ticket in 2027. While acknowledging the importance of equity, he argued that the democratic process must take precedence.
“The idea of conceding implies there’s no election. We insist there must be one—and whoever gets the majority support should be the flagbearer,” he clarified.
He further urged opposition coalitions to build strong, independent party structures led by men and women of integrity—not puppets of political aspirants. Lukman stressed that without such reforms, parties risk repeating the failures of the past.
“We need party leaders with the courage and character to hold even a sitting president accountable. That’s the only way to reset Nigeria’s politics,” he concluded.
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