Lukman, Ex-NWC Member, Resigns from APC Amid Political Turmoil

A former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has resigned from the ruling party.

Lukman, who previously served on the APC National Working Committee, announced his resignation in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.

The statement, titled “APC and The Future of Nigerian Democracy: Letter to Selected APC Leaders,” cited a lack of internal democracy and the party leadership’s resistance to necessary reforms as his reasons for leaving.

In his statement, Lukman expressed his decision to return to grassroots activism, working with committed Nigerians dedicated to the survival and development of democracy in the country.

He said, “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.

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.”

While Lukman did not reveal which party he plans to join ahead of the 2027 elections, he emphasized the potential for strong democracy and functional political parties in Nigeria.

He added, “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.

“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.”