Salihu Moh. Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed deep concerns over the detrimental impact of both former President Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Tinubu on Nigeria during a recent discussion. He emphasized that the upcoming 2027 elections represent a crucial chance to replace the current leadership.
Lukman highlighted that merely transitioning away from the APC is insufficient; it is vital for Nigerians to actively cultivate a political environment where the next governing party can hold its elected officials accountable.
He lamented the current disunity among leading opposition figures, noting that many are preoccupied with their presidential aspirations and failing to prioritize the collective goal of liberating the nation from the clutches of current political elites.
In a statement released in Abuja, Lukman pointed out that President Tinubu’s perceived strength stems from the opposition’s failure to engage in meaningful dialogue and forge a united front as the 2027 elections approach.
He acknowledged the ambitions of notable opposition leaders such as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who have all previously run for the presidency. Lukman asserted, “The APC and President Tinubu only secured their electoral victory due to the opposition’s inability to unify under a single political banner.”
While recognizing the consensus among opposition leaders regarding Tinubu’s disappointing performance since taking office, Lukman criticized their lack of collaboration in establishing a unified platform that could unite Nigerians and effectively challenge the APC in the upcoming elections.
He argued that their failure to initiate genuine political negotiations emboldens President Tinubu to pursue a reckless and uninformed governance style, seemingly indifferent to the hardships faced by the populace.
Lukman expressed concern that, despite the looming threats to the nation, leading opposition figures seem committed to a status quo approach, prioritizing their presidential ambitions over the pressing needs of citizens.
“It is crucial at this juncture to urge our key opposition figures to awaken to the urgent realities confronting the people. The main question is whether, driven by personal ambitions, we are willing to continue mismanaging our situation and squandering the opportunities that democracy provides.”
He asserted, “The democratic framework allows for the removal of any government that fails its citizens. Undoubtedly, both President Tinubu and the APC have fallen short of expectations. It is disheartening that a party that promised transformative change has instead led to national decline. The issues of economic instability, insecurity, and corruption, which the APC and former President Buhari vowed to address in 2015, have only worsened.”
Lukman lamented that both Buhari and Tinubu have proven to be self-serving leaders, incapable of delivering the necessary guidance to navigate the country’s challenges. “None of us anticipated that these leaders would become such monumental disappointments.”
Since assuming power in 2015, Lukman noted that the APC has deteriorated into a governing body that has become more problematic than the PDP it once overcame. He reflected on how the current regime has stifled opposition, leading to a deepening crisis among rival parties.
