A former National Vice Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has declared that he no longer has faith in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying he does not expect any major progress before the end of Tinubu’s first term in May 2027.
Speaking during the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, Lukman said he once believed Tinubu would be a progressive reformer but has since been disappointed.
According to him, Tinubu’s governance style as President starkly contrasts with his record as Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.
“For anyone expecting a major turnaround before May 2027, I’ll say you’re dreaming. I wish you luck, but if it happens, it will only be a pleasant surprise,” Lukman said.
He stressed that he has concluded that nothing substantial will be achieved under the current administration, and called for urgent political reorganization, adding, “This country can be fixed in our lifetime, and I pray God gives us the strength and courage to engage our leaders.”
Lukman explained that he withheld judgment on Tinubu until July 2024 but ultimately withdrew his support after realizing the President had insulated himself even from members of his own party.
Expressing regret, Lukman said he had once hoped Tinubu would correct the mistakes of former President Muhammadu Buhari, but now believes Tinubu’s shortcomings have ironically made Buhari look like a “hero” in comparison.
The former APC chieftain pointed out that the party’s failure has made the formation of a new coalition an urgent necessity. However, he warned that the mistakes of the APC must not be repeated.
“If, after the APC experience, we build another coalition that becomes ‘business as usual,’ then we have failed again,” he said.
“We owe it to Nigerians to get it right this time.”
Lukman concluded by saying that the APC failed because it sacrificed the integrity of the party, and emphasized that the new political movement must be built on strong, principled foundations.
