Former APC NWC Member, Salihu Lukman, Resigns Over Lack Of Internal Democracy

Malam Salihu Lukman, a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC), has resigned from the party, citing a lack of internal democracy and the party’s failure to implement necessary reforms.

Lukman, who previously served as the Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, announced his resignation in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, June 12. The statement was titled “APC and The Future of Nigerian Democracy: Letter to Selected APC Leaders.”

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Lukman stated, “Given all this, it is possible to remain in APC if at all President Tinubu will allow internal reform in the party to return it to its founding vision, which as it is, is very remote. But my reality now in the party is that my membership has been rendered useless and there is no need for me to continue to impose myself.”

He added, “I have therefore gone back to the trenches and will try to work with all committed Nigerians who agree and subscribe to the goal of actively campaigning for the survival and development of democracy in Nigeria.”

Lukman emphasized the importance of a strong democratic system where elected representatives are accountable to their parties and the electorate. “We must grow our democracy to the point whereby elected representatives at all levels are accountable to the party and it is possible for Nigerians represented by various interests to develop strong relationships with political parties and elected governments based on which policies of governments can be made to reflect wider interests of Nigerians.”

Expressing his optimism for the future, he said, “I am confident that a strong democracy with functional political parties is possible in Nigeria. I am also confident that in our lifetime we can produce governments that are truly capable of making the lives of Nigerians better.

I don’t expect party leaders will agree with my decision. I believe that eventually, we will be united with all party leaders and other Nigerians who are committed to developing Nigerian democracy.”