Salihu Moh. Lukman, the former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and recent National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has left the party.
He asserts that the party has lost its relevance and can no longer secure election victories without manipulation.
In a letter addressed to select APC leaders, titled “APC and The Future of Nigerian Democracy,” Lukman expressed his concerns about the party and the country’s current state. He emphasized that the country’s situation has worsened since President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office a year ago.
He pointed out that the party’s structures have been dismantled and the government’s policies have led to a decline in citizens’ income value. Consequently, living conditions are deteriorating rapidly, making both the APC and its governments increasingly unpopular.
Lukman warned that, given the current trajectory, the APC could only win elections through rigging. He expressed concern that the country might face upheavals before 2027.
Drawing from Nigerians’ experiences with former President Muhammadu Buhari and now President Tinubu, Lukman urged Nigerians to prioritize the development of a robust party organization that can hold the President and all elected representatives accountable.
He suggested that he might stay in the APC if President Tinubu allows internal reforms to restore the party’s original vision. However, he felt that his membership had become pointless and saw no reason to remain.
Lukman has decided to return to grassroots activism, working with Nigerians committed to promoting democracy’s survival and development. He called for a democracy where elected representatives are accountable to the party, and Nigerians can establish strong relationships with political parties and elected governments.
Despite hoping for a change of heart from President Tinubu, Lukman expressed little hope for significant achievements during his tenure. He called on all patriots, democrats, and progressives to organize and mobilize Nigerians to save their democracy, as the APC and President Tinubu’s government have been swept up in a whirlwind.
He expressed regret that all APC organs have been paralyzed, leaving virtually no functional internal communication channels.
