APC Chieftain Lukman Criticizes Party for Poor Governance

A former National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Moh. Lukman, has criticized his party for failing to meet the expectations of Nigerians over the past nine years.

In a statement on Tuesday, Lukman, while reaffirming his membership in the APC, expressed deep disappointment in the performance of elected governments, comparing them unfavorably to military regimes.

“Poor management of national resources has continued to the extent that insecurity and threats to human lives have become the new normal,” Lukman stated.

“The worst part is that we have elected governments, at virtually all levels, performing worse than military rulers.”

Lukman noted that 25 years after the return to democracy in 1999, the welfare of Nigerians has deteriorated, with rising unemployment and poverty.

He elaborated, “Theories of democracy and politics suggest that elected leaders should be more accountable.

Yet, 25 years of democratic rule in Nigeria has failed to produce leaders who prioritize the interests of citizens. Instead, we seem to move in the opposite direction of what could be considered the interests of Nigerians.”

Lukman posed several critical questions about the state of Nigerian democracy, asking whether it has truly provided the expected opportunities and if the majority of Nigerians have been able to take advantage of these opportunities.

“I want to affirm my membership of the APC and recognize that the last nine years have disappointingly dashed the expectations of Nigerians,” he said.

“A correct assessment of reality is about honest criticisms and taking responsibility, not about rationalizing choices or denying challenges.”

He argued that the APC, founded with a vision of being a progressive party, has failed to live up to its principles.

“As it stands today, its leadership does not obey its own constitution, does not hold meetings, and is accountable to no one.

Since 2015, the party’s manifesto has been virtually abandoned, and party leaders have little or no say in the management of governments it produced at all levels.”

Lukman likened the situation to military rule, where citizens were distant observers, stating that under the APC, party leaders and members have also become distant observers in the governance process.

“Processes of appointments into government and policy decisions have been made the prerogative of the president at the national level and governors at state levels, reducing party members to mere spectators,” he concluded.