Salihu Moh. Lukman, former National Vice Chairman for the Northwest of the ruling 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 expressed his continued membership in the APC while condemning the performance of elected governments at various levels, which he claimed were worse than those under military rule. He highlighted the deteriorating welfare conditions, increased unemployment, and rising poverty rates since the advent of democracy in 1999.
“Poor management of national resources has led to a crisis of insecurity and threats to human lives becoming the new normal,” Lukman stated. “The worst part is that we have elected governments performing worse than military rulers. Despite theories suggesting elected leaders would be more accountable, 25 years of democracy in Nigeria has yet to produce leaders who prioritize citizens' interests.”
Lukman questioned whether Nigeria's democracy had failed to create opportunities for its citizens or if the majority of Nigerians were unable to seize these opportunities. He emphasized the need for a correct assessment of realities and honest criticism to address the country's challenges effectively.
He also criticized the APC's leadership for not adhering to its constitution, holding meetings, or being accountable. Lukman lamented that since the party's rise to power in 2015, its manifesto has been largely ignored, with the President and state governors making key decisions without broader party consultation.
“As it stands, the APC has fallen short of what any political party should represent, let alone a progressive one. Its leadership behaves like military rulers, with party leaders and members reduced to distant observers,” Lukman concluded.