diff --git a/src/locking/lock_driver_sanlock.c b/src/locking/lock_driver_sanlock.c
index aade437e5e..aa6b8fb189 100644
--- a/src/locking/lock_driver_sanlock.c
+++ b/src/locking/lock_driver_sanlock.c
@@ -885,7 +885,7 @@ static int virLockManagerSanlockAcquire(virLockManagerPtr lock,
                                         int *fd)
 {
     virLockManagerSanlockPrivatePtr priv = lock->privateData;
-    struct sanlk_options *opt;
+    struct sanlk_options *opt = NULL;
     struct sanlk_resource **res_args;
     int res_count;
     bool res_free = false;