Opposition division fuels voter apathy in Nigeria's 2027 election, Lukman warns

Salihu Lukman, former chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated on Channels Television's Politics Today program (Friday, July 31, 2026) that Nigerians have lost confidence in opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections due to their deepening divisions. He emphasized the opposition's failure to unite and present a viable presidential candidate, warning this fragmentation fuels voter apathy and heightens risks of election manipulation - particularly vote buying, which he noted favors those controlling more resources, effectively advantaging the incumbent APC.

This assessment matters because Lukman directly linked opposition disunity to democratic erosion: when voters lose faith in alternatives, apathy rises, opening doors for rigging tactics that reward financial muscle over popular will. With vote buying already widespread, a fragmented opposition could allow the ruling party to leverage its resource advantage to manipulate outcomes, undermining electoral integrity.

Lukman urged opposition parties to prioritize unity and present a credible alternative to restore voter confidence, while urging citizens to scrutinize parties' cohesion and commitment to fair electoral practices as the 2027 elections draw near.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/01/2027-nigerians-have-lost-confidence-in-opposition-salihu-lukman/