Former National Vice Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Salihu Lukman, has described the newly formed opposition coalition party, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as a political home for Obidients, urging them to unite in building the movement.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television, Lukman emphasised that whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate would receive full support from all stakeholders, in order to avoid the mistakes of past elections.

He called on supporters of various leaders within the coalition to rally behind ADC and work collectively to rescue Nigeria, warning that a divided opposition would only pave the way for victory by APC and President Bola Tinubu.

“So, as much as possible, we must keep the opposition together, and in keeping the opposition together, it is not about asking anybody to step down.

“And I appeal to the Obidients and other groups, to really understand that the ADC and the coalition is the home for them and they should come and let us build ourselves together.

“If Peter Obi emerges as the presidential candidate of ADC, we will all support him and strengthen him to overcome the shortcomings of the past. So also, any other, if it is Atiku Abubakar who emerges, for instance, we will support him and strengthen him in such a way that he doesn’t repeat the mistakes of former President Buhari.

“So, I think these are issues which as Nigerians, we must be very honest and frank in engaging them if we are going to move this country forward. This is the kind of debate we want to have in ADC.

“Everybody will slug it out in the presidential primary, apparently,” he said.

The former APC chieftain also noted that ADC would give due consideration to the principle of equity in its decision-making processes, assuring that the party remains inclusive and open to all.

He reiterated that, as of now, there is no discussion within the coalition about an agreed presidential candidate.

The Israel Defense Forces, IDF, announced on Thursday that it had carried out an overnight airstrike on a Hezbollah military compound in the town of Yohmor, situated in southern Lebanon.

In a statement, the IDF revealed that the targeted site was operating under the cover of a civilian building, accusing Hezbollah of once again endangering innocent lives by embedding military infrastructure within residential areas.

“The headquarters operated under the guise of a civilian structure, with the Hezbollah terror organization exploiting the civilian population to advance terror activities against the State of Israel,” the IDF said.

The military condemned the tactic as a “blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon,” referencing longstanding agreements intended to prevent escalation along the tense border.

The IDF added that measures had been taken to minimise harm to civilians during the operation, though no further details were given regarding the extent of the damage or any casualties.

This latest strike comes amid rising tensions along Israel’s northern frontier, where intermittent clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants have fuelled concerns of a wider conflict.

Political commentator Ayodele Adewale has advised the All Progressives Congress, APC, to concentrate on fulfilling its promises rather than becoming distracted by opposition coalitions such as the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Speaking on TVC’s breakfast political programme on Thursday, Adewale addressed the coalition and its implications.

“From my perspective, I will not get carried away by all these innuendos. I think the ruling party, the APC, should focus more on the programmes they’re delivering and fast-track interventions on economic matters,” Adewale said.

According to him, the APC administration has already laid a new foundation for the nation’s economy and foreign relations, citing efforts to attract foreign direct investment and to build a strong base in the educational sector.

“I understand the pains, but these are birth pangs for a better economy. Nigerians should be patient,” he said.

He also referenced Nigeria’s struggles following the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP, in the 1980s and 1990s, when industries collapsed, unemployment surged, and families grappled with funding education.