“We Won’t Hand Over ADC to Big Names in 2027” — Salihu Lukman Declares as Coalition Rallies for Real Political Change

Salihu Lukman, former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not surrender its structure to any high-profile politician ahead of the 2027 elections, regardless of their popularity or influence. Speaking on AIT’s political programme Jigsaw on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, Lukman emphasized that the coalition forming around the ADC is about rebuilding Nigeria, not political opportunism.

He stated that negotiations within the party have been collective, involving the entire ADC leadership rather than one-man power plays. “We took our time. We did not negotiate with one individual. What we’re telling everybody is that the structures of the party will not be handed over to aspiring candidates,” Lukman warned.

The political strategist, who resigned from the APC last year, stressed that the new coalition wants a disciplined party system that holds elected officials accountable after victory—not one that simply paves the way to power. “Our goal is to build an institution that can regulate politicians and their actions, not just during campaigns but after elections,” he said.

Although political bigwigs like Rotimi Amaechi have been linked with the ADC’s presidential ticket, and names like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have been rumored, Lukman made it clear that the party is not a shortcut for power-seekers. “We’re not forming a party to make anyone a candidate,” he added. “We want to give Nigerians a real alternative—something more than recycled politics.”

Former Minister of Transportation, Idris Umar, echoed Lukman’s sentiments at an ADC caucus meeting held Tuesday at Shugleez Event Centre in Gombe. He declared that the ADC is Nigeria’s “vehicle to redemption” and would lead the country to political and economic recovery.

Umar, a respected voice in Northern politics, said the coalition was about restoring lost hope and rescuing the country from the current hardship inflicted by the APC’s misrule. “This is not just about taking power—it’s about providing new leadership that truly puts people first,” he said.

As the ADC continues to attract grassroots mobilizers and opposition figures, both Lukman and Umar reaffirmed that the coalition’s strength lies in its openness, accountability, and refusal to be hijacked by powerful individuals. “Whatever happens in 2027,” Lukman concluded, “Nigerians will not be left with only one political option.”