Salihu Lukman, former APC National Vice Chairman, resigned from his position due to frustrations with the party’s leadership, particularly regarding the appointment of Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman. Lukman believed Ganduje’s appointment was undemocratic, lacked transparency, and disregarded the APC constitution, which stipulated that the North-Central zone, from which the previous chairman hailed, should nominate a replacement. He argued that the President’s decision to appoint Ganduje was driven by personal considerations rather than the best interests of the party, and that stakeholders, especially from the North-West, were not consulted. Lukman expressed disappointment with North-Central leaders, particularly Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, for failing to assert their zone’s constitutional right to nominate the new chairman. His disillusionment deepened as he felt marginalized within the party after openly criticizing these decisions, ultimately leading to his resignation.
Lukman’s concerns extended beyond the chairmanship appointment to a broader pattern of undemocratic practices within the APC. He criticized the lack of internal debate and the stifling of dissenting voices, arguing that the party was operating like a monarchy where everyone sought to appease the President. He viewed this as a betrayal of the APC’s founding principles of progressivism and internal democracy. He also expressed concern about the predictability of future elections, suggesting that without genuine competition within the party, the 2027 elections would merely reflect the wishes of incumbent leaders rather than the will of the people. He cited Ganduje’s statement about “no vacancy in Aso Rock” as an example of the arrogance and disregard for democratic processes that he believed had permeated the party.
Following his resignation, Lukman engaged in discussions with other disgruntled politicians and opposition leaders to explore the possibility of forming a new political party. He believed that the APC was beyond redemption and that a truly alternative party was needed to promote genuine political competition and address the frustrations of Nigerians with the current democratic system. He emphasized that this new party should not replicate the APC’s mistakes, particularly regarding the imposition of candidates. He advocated for open membership registration, free and fair internal elections, and a leadership willing to submit itself to the democratic process. While acknowledging the need to defeat the APC in future elections, Lukman stressed that the primary goal was to reform Nigerian democracy and ensure a more competitive and representative political landscape.
Lukman also addressed his relationship with former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, clarifying that while they shared mutual respect and had collaborated in the past, particularly during their opposition to Adams Oshiomhole’s leadership, they also had fundamental disagreements. He acknowledged El-Rufai’s recent defection to the SDP, expressing hope that this would not derail the ongoing efforts to build a broader coalition. While open to collaborating with the SDP, Lukman expressed reservations about the party’s current leadership, particularly its apparent reluctance to embrace internal democracy. He emphasized that any new political platform must prioritize internal competition and ensure that leadership positions are determined through free and fair elections.
Lukman’s engagement with other potential partners in this new political project, such as the League of Northern Democrats, also encountered challenges. He expressed disappointment with the League’s decision to appoint Senator Ibrahim Shekarau as chairman, arguing that Shekarau’s divisive political track record made him an unsuitable choice for a group aiming to unite the North. Lukman criticized the League’s lack of structured meetings and its apparent focus on registering a new party without adequate national spread, suggesting a lack of seriousness and strategic planning. He reiterated his commitment to working with groups that genuinely prioritize internal democracy and offer a viable alternative to the existing political landscape.
Throughout the interview, Lukman consistently emphasized his commitment to democratic principles and internal party reforms. He highlighted his early advocacy for mergers within the opposition, predating the formation of the APC, and expressed regret that the party had deviated from its initial promises of change and internal democracy. He maintained that his criticisms were not motivated by personal animosity but by a deep concern for the future of Nigerian democracy. He presented himself as a principled politician willing to sacrifice his position and political affiliations to advocate for a more democratic and competitive political system. He expressed a willingness to work with various groups and individuals, including El-Rufai and the SDP, provided they embraced the principles of internal democracy and genuine competition that he deemed essential for a healthy and representative democracy.
