Salihu Lukman Speaks Out: Why He Walked Away From APC

Breaking: Salihu Lukman Leaves APC Amid Leadership Frustrations

Salihu Lukman, the former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has made waves with his decision to resign from the party. In a candid interview, Lukman opened up about his reasons for stepping down, pointing fingers at what he described as a lack of transparency and overreach by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This bold move comes after Lukman had previously pushed for significant changes in the party, including the resignations of former National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu and National Secretary Iyiola Omisore. But this time, he decided that walking away was the only option.

Why Lukman Decided to Step Down

When asked why he chose to resign after successfully pushing for changes in the party leadership, Lukman explained that it wasn’t just about the individuals but the style of leadership. "People might think I was frustrated, and they'd be right. They might also think I'd be happy that Adamu and Omisore left, but that's not the case," Lukman said. "I didn't have a personal issue with them, but their leadership style was problematic. Agreements within the party were being thrown out the window, and no one seemed to care." Lukman's frustration wasn't just about the individuals but the systemic issues he saw within the party.

The Ganduje Appointment: A Final Straw?

One of the key points of contention for Lukman was the appointment of Abdullahi Ganduje as the new APC National Chairman. He accused the party leadership of sidelining key stakeholders from the North-West, particularly on this decision. "What I see now is a move towards a monarchy-like structure," Lukman said. "Everyone around the president is trying to impress him without questioning his actions." Lukman questioned Ganduje's competence, stating, "In terms of running a party administration, I didn't see him as qualified. Sure, he was a former governor, but that doesn't automatically make him the right fit for this role." He was particularly upset that there was no proper consultation or debate among key party members before Ganduje's appointment.

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A Lack of Transparency: The Party's Democratic Principles Undermined

Lukman was critical of the lack of transparency in the decision-making process. "I wasn’t physically present, but I could see what was happening. People were just doing what the president wanted without question," he remarked. He added that this lack of internal discussion undermined the democratic principles that the party was supposed to uphold. "North-West leaders were not consulted at all," Lukman emphasized. "If anyone challenges me on this, I'd love to hear them come forward. Ganduje was handpicked by the president without any input from us." Lukman was particularly disappointed with the silence of leaders from the North-Central, including Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State. "If governors won’t stand up for their states' rights, what are we supposed to do?" he questioned.

Feeling Excluded: Lukman's Isolation in the Party

After being excluded from key discussions and labeled as "too critical," Lukman felt that his position in the APC had become unsustainable. "I made my name, and I didn’t do it through godfather politics. I have no godfather. I have leaders in the party who respect me, and because of that, I rose to my position. But I couldn’t sit around and wait for a decision to be made to push me out," he explained. Lukman's decision to leave wasn’t easy, and it came with personal sacrifices. "I didn’t want to be seen as someone who was kicked out of the party. I had to make a move, and I did," he said.

A Commitment to Reform: Lukman's Vision for the Party

Despite his resignation, Lukman remains committed to advocating for internal reforms within the APC. He believes that the party needs to re-evaluate its leadership style and decision-making processes to ensure transparency and inclusivity. "I wrote letters to them, which eventually became public. That’s when I realized my membership in the party had become meaningless," Lukman concluded. He felt it was time to shift his focus to Nigeria's broader political landscape, emphasizing the importance of holding leaders accountable and pushing for meaningful change. His departure may signal a new chapter for both Lukman and the APC, one that could redefine the party's future.