A key figure in the African Democratic Congress coalition, Salihu Lukman, has appealed to Nigerians and political stakeholders to unite under the party platform to correct past mistakes in political party formation and address the socio-economic challenges facing citizens.

Mr Lukman made the appeal at a press briefing in Kaduna on Sunday where he emphasised the need for a new political direction built on unity, inclusion, and problem solving.

He said the coalition’s decision to adopt ADC as its platform followed 18 months of consultations with political leaders across the country, aimed at preventing Nigeria from becoming a ‘de facto one-party state’ dominated by the All Progressives Congress.

He stated, “If we do not act now, only the ruling APC will remain strong enough to present candidates in 2027. We saw the need to come together, not for personal ambition, but for the future of the country.’’

Mr Lukman said one of the guiding principles of the coalition was that personal political ambitions must be set aside to achieve true collaboration.

According to him, the approach made it possible for leading politicians to unite and adopt ADC as a common political platform.

He explained that negotiations with ADC leadership were successful because the party agreed to restructure itself and accommodate a broad coalition.

Mr Lukman said this led to the emergence of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

He stated, “The next phase is to replicate this unity at the state level. In Kaduna State for example, we must bring together all leaders who genuinely care about the state and are ready to work collectively to address the pressing challenges citizens face.’’

The coalition leader warned against political leaders who insist on operating in silos, building exclusionary structures, or imposing loyalists before expanding party membership.

He described such moves as detrimental to internal democracy.

Mr Lukman, a former APC chieftain, said the ADC coalition must not repeat some past mistakes.

He called for an open membership registration process followed by a democratic reconstitution of party leadership based on the realities of new membership.

Mr Lukman said, “No one should dominate the party before the people have joined.’’

He urged political leaders to reflect on past experiences and commit to inclusive politics that prioritises the needs of the citizens over individual ambition.

He stated, “The opportunity before us is rare, let us not waste it by repeating the old games that destroyed past platforms.’’

(NAN)