Salihu Moh. Lukman, the former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticized his party for failing to meet the expectations of Nigerians over the past nine years.
In a statement on Tuesday, Lukman reaffirmed his membership in the APC while expressing disappointment in the party’s performance, stating that “we have elected governments, virtually at all levels, performing worse than military rulers.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 25 years of democracy since 1999, Lukman highlighted that the welfare of Nigerians has deteriorated, with rising unemployment and poverty. He said, “Poor management of national resources has continued so much so that crisis of insecurity and threat to human lives is the new normal.”
Lukman questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s democracy in providing opportunities for its citizens, noting, “Is it that Nigeria’s democracy is yet to open the expected opportunity? Or is it that the majority of Nigerians are unable to ‘positively grab’ the opportunity, which democracy presents?”
Reaffirming his commitment to progressive politics, Lukman emphasized the importance of honest criticism and taking responsibility for the party’s shortcomings. He lamented that the APC, founded with a vision of progressivism, has failed to uphold its principles and has become unaccountable, with its leadership neglecting to follow its own constitution or hold regular meetings.
Lukman criticized the centralized decision-making processes within the party, stating, “Processes of appointments into government and policy decisions have been made the prerogative of the president at the national level and governors at state levels. Like under military rule, when citizens were reduced to distant observers, under the APC, party leaders and members have also become distant observers.”
This critique from a prominent party member underscores the growing discontent within the APC regarding its governance and commitment to democratic principles.
