Salihu Lukman, a former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Northwest zone, has delivered a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent media chat. In an interview with ARISE News, Lukman expressed disappointment, claiming the session failed to address Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
“The media chat has not changed anything,” Lukman said, his tone reflecting deep frustration. “If anything, it projected a leader who, somehow, is not listening to the cries of the nation.”
The former APC chieftain criticized the administration for lacking a coherent strategy to tackle the nation’s mounting issues. “There is nothing substantial you can point to as the government’s true plan, nor any indication of positive outcomes in the coming months,” he lamented.
A Leadership in Denial
Lukman accused the government of making impulsive decisions and refusing to confront the inefficacy of its policies. He painted a picture of a nation adrift, led by a presidency that appears disconnected from the hardships faced by its citizens.
“Leadership is about accountability and responsiveness, but what we are seeing is a government in denial,” he added.
The former APC leader pointed out that citizens are yearning for a government that listens and acts decisively. According to him, the Tinubu administration has yet to provide a roadmap that inspires confidence or addresses urgent socioeconomic concerns.
Nigeria’s Political System: A Broken Framework
Lukman turned his focus to Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting the failure of political parties to engage effectively with their members. He noted that the absence of regular meetings and consultations hampers the ability of parties to operate as democratic institutions.
“For democracy to thrive, we need at least one functional political party,” Lukman stressed.
He condemned the entrenched culture of electoral malpractice, where political actors prioritize rigging elections over earning genuine public support.
“This mindset must change,” he asserted. “The beauty of democracy lies in providing citizens with real choices.”
The Death of APC?
Reflecting on the state of the APC, Lukman did not mince words. He declared the party “practically dead,” attributing its decline to the indifference of leaders once they attain positions of power.
“Over the past year, we have tried to advocate for effective party structures, but our efforts have been futile,” he revealed. “Once leaders gain control of government resources, they abandon the party.”
Lukman further disclosed that the APC has not convened meetings at any level, a critical indicator of its dysfunction. He called for a fresh start, emphasizing the urgent need for a political party that operates differently from the current crop of political entities.
“We need to produce a political party that will substantially be different from what exists at the moment,” he said firmly.
A Call for Political Reform
In his closing remarks, Lukman issued a rallying cry to Nigerians, urging them to resist the monopoly of the political process by self-serving elites.
“My appeal to many Nigerians is that we must not allow the wrong people to dominate the political space,” he stated.
He advocated for the creation of a political framework that prioritizes the needs of the people over personal or partisan interests. According to Lukman, this transformation is critical to restoring public trust in democracy.
Contextual and Background Insights
Lukman’s critique comes at a time when Nigeria faces a host of challenges, including rising inflation, escalating insecurity, and widespread disillusionment with political leadership. President Tinubu’s administration, which began in May 2023, has been under intense scrutiny for its handling of these issues.
The recent removal of fuel subsidies, which triggered a sharp increase in living costs, remains a sore point for many Nigerians. Despite promises of economic recovery, tangible improvements have been slow to materialize.
Moreover, Lukman’s remarks highlight deeper issues within Nigeria’s political parties. The APC, which came to power in 2015, has been plagued by internal crises and accusations of neglecting its grassroots base. Critics argue that the party has strayed from its founding principles, prioritizing power consolidation over governance.
Lukman’s call for reform reflects growing discontent among Nigerians who feel alienated by a political system that seems to prioritize the interests of a select few over the broader population.