Former APC Chieftain Salihu Lukman Advocates for Collegiate Leadership Model to Revitalize Opposition Blocs

Salihu Lukman discusses the opposition's shift to a collegiate leadership model to ensure accountability and curb individual dominance ahead of the 2027 elections.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 7:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

A Strategic Shift Toward Shared Governance

Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing a significant shift in internal party management as opposition groups explore a collegiate leadership model. Salihu Lukman, a former prominent official within the All Progressives Congress (APC), disclosed on April 27 that this movement is a direct response to the perceived erosion of internal democracy. By distributing leadership responsibilities among a collective group rather than a single figurehead, the opposition aims to ensure that party organs function independently and effectively, reducing the likelihood of any one individual exerting disproportionate control over the political machinery.

Addressing the Decline of Party Supremacy

During a recent interview, Lukman reflected on the current state of the ruling APC, arguing that the party has moved away from its foundational promise of "party supremacy." He contended that while the APC rose to power on the platform of institutional change, it has increasingly become a vehicle for powerful individuals to dictate terms. This trend, according to Lukman, has weakened the party's structures and undermined the rules intended to regulate the conduct of elected officials. The move toward a collegiate system is presented as a corrective measure to restore the intended hierarchy where the party organ remains superior to the individual officeholder.

Promoting Accountability and Collective Discipline

The proposed collegiate model is designed to foster a culture of accountability and discipline that Lukman believes is currently lacking. Under this system, decision-making would be a collaborative process, making it harder for elected officials to bypass party regulations. Lukman emphasized that the goal is to create a more transparent and rule-based political environment. By strengthening these institutional frameworks, the opposition hopes to present a more disciplined and cohesive front to the Nigerian electorate, positioning themselves as a credible alternative to the status quo.