By John Paul
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former North West stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lukman Salihu, has outlined how the opposition party plans to manage post-primary rancour and present a united front against the ruling party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on ARISE TV, Salihu said the ADC is developing a “collegiate system” designed to ensure that all aspirants remain part of a collective leadership structure, regardless of who emerges as the party’s presidential candidate.
“The new framework we are trying to put together is a collegiate framework. It is not a framework where one person will be the winner of everything,” he said.
According to him, the model is aimed at replacing winner-takes-all politics with a team-based approach to governance, where decisions are taken jointly and no single individual dominates power.
“Our leaders are committed to ensure that if we produce the next government, it is not going to be like an emperor presiding over an empire. It will be a collegiate team spirit,” Salihu added.
The move comes amid heightened contestation within opposition ranks, with supporters of Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi pushing different ambitions. However, Salihu dismissed concerns that such rivalry could fracture the party.
“What you are seeing is contestation. When you have politics without contestation, then it is no longer politics,” he said.
He stressed that the ADC’s strategy is to keep all aspirants invested in the process, even after the primaries.
“One person will emerge, but will emerge as part of a team, not someone who defeats others and pushes them out of the race,” he said.
Salihu expressed confidence that key figures would remain within the party fold after the primaries, noting that the collegiate structure would discourage defections and foster unity.
“I do not see him (Amaechi) walking away if someone else emerges victorious. He will remain part of the same collegiate system,” he stated.
Beyond internal cohesion, Salihu said the ADC is also positioning itself to challenge and defeat the APC, which he criticised for drifting from its founding ideals.
“To see where the APC is today is quite disappointing. Instead of parties regulating elected officials, elected officials now regulate parties,” he said.
He added that restoring internal party discipline and strengthening institutional structures are central to the ADC’s alternative.
On policy direction, Salihu disclosed that the party has already adopted a manifesto developed by a 50-member committee, focused on citizen-centred governance and addressing key national challenges.
He acknowledged that legal and internal issues have delayed its public presentation but expressed confidence that the process would soon be concluded.
Salihu maintained that participation in the coalition remains voluntary, respecting the decisions of those yet to join, while expressing optimism that the opposition would ultimately rally behind a single candidate.
“We are ready to confront the situation as it is, and we believe the Nigerian people will make the right choice at the end,” he said.