Former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Salihu Lukman, has opened up about his frustration with the ruling party, his differences with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and the possibility of forming a new political movement.
In an interview with PUNCH, Lukman shared his reasons for leaving APC, stating that he had hoped for internal reforms within the party but was continuously sidelined. He noted that despite the exit of former National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu and National Secretary Iyiola Omisore, the party leadership remained unchanged in its approach.
Lukman revealed that the selection of Abdullahi Ganduje as APC’s new chairman was not a democratic process. He stated, “Nobody was consulted. He single-handedly picked Ganduje.” He added that this decision disappointed many North-Central leaders, including Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, for failing to assert their rights.
When asked about his meeting with President Bola Tinubu after leaving APC, Lukman said they met briefly during Baba Bisi Akande’s birthday celebration at Aso Rock. However, he mentioned that efforts to engage with the president afterward were unsuccessful.
Regarding his future political plans, Lukman noted that he is focused on bringing together opposition figures and dissatisfied APC members to form an alternative political platform. He believes that Nigeria’s democracy needs real competition and that elections should not be predictable.
Lukman also commented on the current state of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing concerns over increasing political arrogance and the lack of democratic processes. He stated, “A scholar once talked about democracy without democrats. What we are witnessing is that reality.”
Addressing the coalition of opposition parties, Lukman clarified that he is not rushing to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where El-Rufai has reportedly moved. He noted that the SDP leadership does not seem open to a democratic process within the party. “If tomorrow he changes and says, ‘Okay, I’m ready to go through that,’ we are ready to do business with SDP,” he said.
Lukman also mentioned the League of Northern Democrats, initially hopeful about its potential, but now sees mismanagement within the group. He criticized the imposition of Senator Ibrahim Shekarau as the chairman, arguing that the North needs a unifying leader.
On his relationship with El-Rufai, Lukman explained that while they have mutual respect, they do not always agree politically. “My disagreement does not take away the respect I have for you,” he said. He acknowledged that El-Rufai’s move to SDP was expected but wished he had been more patient to align with ongoing negotiations for a broader coalition.
