Just-In: APC chieftain, Lukman dumps party

Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress, has resigned from the governing organisation.

In a statement titled “APC and The Future of Nigerian Democracy: Letter to Selected APC Leaders,” which he released in Abuja on Wednesday, the former member of the APC National Working Committee disclosed this.

He added that the absence of internal democracy and the party leadership’s unwillingness to support the urgently required reforms within the organisation were the main causes of his departure.

Lukman said he had gone back to the trenches to work with committed Nigerians who are interested in the survival and development of democracy in the nation.

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.”

Lukman, who failed to disclose the party he will be joining ahead of the 20207 elections, stated that a strong democracy with functional political parties is possible in the country.

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 will all party leaders and other Nigerians who are committed to developing Nigerian democracy.”