Growing Unease as APC Faces Allegations of Despotism under Tinubu’s Leadership.
A former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progres- sives Congress (APC), Dr. Salihu Lukman yesterday lamented that the ruling party was fast emerging as a despotic organisation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Lukman in a statement in Abuja, noted that the expectation of many party leaders and members was that the emergence of Tinubu as the successor to former President Muhammadu Buhari would enable them to reform the party and return it to its founding vision of becoming a progressive party.
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Initially optimistic about Tinubu’s leadership ushering in a new era for the APC, Lukman now expresses disappointment, claiming that rather than steering the party back to its roots as a progressive force, it is showing signs of consolidating power in a despotic manner.
Citing a blatant disregard for the party’s own rules and a failure of its organs to adhere to the constitution, Lukman draws parallels with issues that arose during Senator Abdullahi Adamu’s tenure as the National Chairman between April 2022 and July 2023.
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Lukman also highlights financial challenges faced by the current leadership under Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, specifically addressing funding issues. Despite attempts to present recommendations, including a funding proposal, Lukman expresses frustration at the lack of responsiveness from Ganduje and the party leadership.
In a candid admission, Lukman states, “Access to Ganduje is becoming narrower and narrower. In the circumstance, one is left with no option but to conclude that I am only being tolerated.”
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Acknowledging his perceived role as an antagonist due to his outspoken nature and provocative recommendations, Lukman asserts that the push for reform within the APC will persist, irrespective of potential barriers to access or the absence of support from key figures.
Reflecting on events since the resignations of Adamu and Senator Iyiola Omisore in July 2023, Lukman suggests that Tinubu’s priorities may deviate from the initial expectation of restoring the APC to its founding vision.
Despite these concerns, Lukman reaffirms his commitment to the reform of the APC, emphasizing its pivotal role in the broader struggle for the development of Nigeria.
The unfolding developments within the APC raise critical questions about the party’s future trajectory under Tinubu’s leadership.
