Salihu Lukman Speaks On His Ties With El-Rufai And The Future Of Northern Politics

Former APC Chief Opens Up About His Relationship with Ex-Governor El-Rufai

In a candid interview with Punch, Salihu Lukman, the former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), delved into the complexities of his relationship with Nasir El-Rufai, the ex-governor of Kaduna State. The conversation also explored the broader landscape of emerging political coalitions in Nigeria, including the League of Northern Democrats and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Lukman's insights offer a window into the shifting alliances and tensions within the political arena.

Anderson Cooper-style: Imagine sitting down with Lukman for a heart-to-heart chat. You’d hear him break down his ties with El-Rufai and reflect on the growing divides in Nigerian politics. It's not just about political strategies—it's about mutual respect, personal history, and the challenges of staying united in a fractured environment.

Respect Amidst Disagreement: Lukman on His Relationship with El-Rufai

When asked to describe his bond with El-Rufai, Lukman emphasized respect above all else. "The best I can say is that we respect each other. He was my governor, and our relationship goes back even further than his time in office," Lukman explained. Despite their differences, Lukman insists that respect forms the foundation of their connection. "If I disagree with you, I'll say so openly, but that doesn't mean I lose respect for you," he clarified.

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Anderson Cooper-style: Think of it like this—Lukman and El-Rufai are two strong personalities who may not always see eye to eye, but they’ve built a rapport over the years. It’s like a friendship where you can argue fiercely but still share a deep understanding of each other’s values and goals.

Shared Moments of Convergence: A Look Back at Political Challenges

Reflecting on their shared experiences, Lukman highlighted moments when he and El-Rufai found common ground. One such instance occurred during Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s leadership of the APC. Lukman recounted how both he and El-Rufai felt the leadership was veering off course. "We had a point of convergence back then. We believed that certain decisions being made weren't in the party's best interest," he said.

Lukman also admitted to facing backlash from within the party for voicing his opposition to specific actions. "Some governors, including Sanwo-Olu and Prince Dapo Abiodun, were unhappy with me for speaking out," he revealed. Yet, Lukman stood firm, believing that honesty and integrity should guide his political stance, even if it meant ruffling feathers.

Why Wasn’t Lukman Part of El-Rufai’s SDP Move?

One of the most intriguing questions posed to Lukman was why he wasn’t included in El-Rufai’s decision to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Lukman acknowledged that the move wasn’t entirely unexpected, especially after El-Rufai’s candid interview on Arise TV. "Yes, I'm close to Mallam El-Rufai. We're from the same state, and I was even nominated by him to serve on the National Working Committee of the APC," Lukman said.

However, Lukman expressed disappointment that El-Rufai didn’t consult with him or other key allies before making the leap. "I expected him to be a bit more patient so that we could walk out as a group, based on the ongoing negotiations," Lukman admitted. Still, he remains hopeful that the split won’t result in permanent estrangement. "I hope that in the end, we'll find a way to reconcile and work together under one platform," he optimistically added.

Looking Ahead: The Promise of Northern Unity

Beyond his personal ties with El-Rufai, Lukman touched on the larger political picture, particularly the ongoing discussions surrounding the League of Northern Democrats. He believes that despite the current divisions, unity among northern political leaders is still within reach. "I believe we can still come together and work toward a common goal," Lukman stated, underscoring the importance of collaboration and shared purpose.

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Anderson Cooper-style: Picture Lukman as a seasoned navigator steering through turbulent waters. He knows the storms ahead won’t be easy, but he’s confident that with patience, compromise, and a shared vision, northern leaders can chart a course toward a brighter political future.