Lukman warns Kwankwaso against early defection

A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has issued an open letter to former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, cautioning against what he described as a premature and potentially damaging political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the letter titled “You Can’t Run Away from Yourself”, Lukman expressed concern over reports that Kwankwaso is considering leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), barely weeks after aligning with the opposition coalition.

Kwankwaso had earlier clarified that ongoing consultations with leaders across parties, including the NDC and PRP, were aimed at addressing “current challenges” within the ADC and protecting democratic interests. Lukman, however, argued that such moves risk undermining opposition unity.

“How can you, within six weeks of joining the ADC, already contemplate leaving? What has changed that was not evident before you joined?” Lukman queried.

He said negotiations leading to the adoption of the ADC as a coalition platform began in 2024, involving figures such as Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, and were intended to address fragmentation that affected the 2023 elections.

“Unity among opposition leaders under one political platform is a critical success factor for electoral victory,” he stated.

Lukman noted that parties such as the PDP, LP, and NNPP had been weakened by internal crises, necessitating a stronger alternative.

He accused some leaders of prioritising personal ambition over collective responsibility, adding, “What appears to matter is your personal political ambition, whether narrowly defined as becoming president or broadly framed as improving citizens’ welfare.”

He drew comparisons with past administrations under Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that reform promises often give way to self-interest.

Lukman also questioned internal democracy within political parties, warning against the avoidance of competitive primaries.

“What is the value of democracy if leaders avoid primaries?” he asked.

He urged Kwankwaso to remain in the ADC and strengthen its constitution, manifesto, and governance structures.

“At this stage in your life, this is a moment to focus on legacy. History will judge whether leaders merely sought power or contributed to national transformation,” he wrote.

Despite his concerns, Lukman expressed hope that opposition leaders could maintain unity ahead of 2027, which he described as a turning point for Nigeria’s democracy.

“May 2027 mark a turning point where leadership is defined not by ambition but by accountability, service, and collective progress,” he concluded.