Salihu Lukman, a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former leader within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a stern warning to the newly inaugurated ADC leadership under former Senate President David Mark. Lukman cautions against replicating the detrimental “culture of imposition” and internal strife that has plagued other Nigerian political parties. He emphasizes the critical need for collective leadership and equitable management of party affairs to prevent the ADC from becoming just another iteration of the old, dysfunctional political system. Lukman stresses that internal democracy, accountability, and adherence to electoral promises are crucial for the party’s success in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Lukman, who played a significant role in the coalition-building process that led to the current ADC leadership, acknowledges the arduous journey of uniting opposition leaders under a common banner. While commending David Mark’s instrumental role in forging the agreement that birthed the new leadership, he underscores that the true test of Mark’s leadership lies in his ability to resist godfatherism and prevent the imposition of loyalists at all levels of the party structure. He expresses concern over the observed tendencies of some leaders within the coalition to manipulate internal processes prematurely, as if victory in the 2027 elections were a foregone conclusion.
The core issue, according to Lukman, revolves around the pervasive culture of imposition within Nigerian political parties. This culture stifles internal democracy, undermines accountability, and disconnects elected officials from the needs and aspirations of the electorate. He argues that this pattern of behavior disincentivizes leaders from fulfilling their electoral promises, leading to widespread public disillusionment and distrust in the political system. Lukman warns that unless the ADC charts a new course and demonstrates a genuine commitment to internal democracy, it risks becoming another variant of the failed political models that have hindered Nigeria’s progress.
Lukman underscores the importance of transparency and inclusivity in party decision-making processes. He cautions against the practice of prioritizing loyalists over competence and merit, arguing that such practices undermine the party’s credibility and alienate potential supporters. He asserts that the Nigerian electorate is increasingly discerning and will not hesitate to abandon any party perceived as perpetuating the old, undemocratic ways of doing politics. This includes favoring loyalists over qualified candidates, prioritizing personal gain over public service, and engaging in manipulative tactics to secure power.
The urgency of the situation is highlighted by Lukman’s assertion that the ADC has a limited window of opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to internal democracy. He warns that if within the next six months, the party fails to provide tangible evidence of a reformed approach, it risks losing the trust and support of the Nigerian people. He predicts a potential mass exodus of leaders and members if the ADC fails to differentiate itself from the old parties. This exodus, he argues, would severely damage the party’s prospects in the 2027 elections, essentially rendering it irrelevant in the political landscape.
In conclusion, Lukman’s message to the new ADC leadership is clear: embrace internal democracy, reject the culture of imposition, prioritize competence and merit, and be accountable to the Nigerian people. He emphasizes that the party’s success hinges on its ability to earn the trust of the electorate by demonstrating a genuine commitment to reform and a departure from the dysfunctional practices of the past. The next six months, he warns, will be crucial in determining whether the ADC can establish itself as a credible alternative and a viable force for positive change in Nigerian politics. Failure to do so, he predicts, will lead to the party’s marginalization and ultimately, its failure to achieve its electoral goals.
