Hold up! A former big shot in the All Progressives Congress (APC) is calling them out! Salihu Lukman says the party has failed big time and is basically a clone of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Buckle up, Naija, because this tea is hot!
Here’s the breakdown of why he’s throwing major shade:
- APC promised change, but delivered… what exactly?
- The party is now run by ‘imposition’ – meaning who you know matters more than what you can do.
- Lukman says even President Tinubu is letting the presidency control the party. Ouch!
APC’s Downfall: From Hope to Copycat?
Salihu Lukman, a founding member of the APC, isn’t holding back. He claims the party has become a ‘variant of PDP,’ adopting the same practices that led to the PDP’s downfall. That’s a serious accusation!
The Imposition Culture: How Connections Trumped Competence
Lukman argues that the APC has been hijacked by a culture where political positions are handed out based on connections to the presidency, rather than genuine competition. This is exactly what Nigerians rejected in the PDP back in 2015, hoping the APC would be different.
He went on to say:
“The culture of imposition has taken over the party, so much so that it is predictable. Anybody who has a close relationship with Abuja, with the presidency, can pick ticket at any level of the party without bothering to contract relationship with other members of the party.”
Tinubu’s Role: A Missed Opportunity?
Lukman expressed disappointment in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He recalls how APC members fought against former President Buhari’s inner circle to ensure Tinubu got the presidential ticket fairly. The expectation was that Tinubu would return the party to its original vision. But alas!
Where Did It All Go Wrong?
Instead, Lukman says Tinubu has allowed the presidency to control the APC, silencing party leaders and turning it into a mere extension of the government. He warns that Nigeria won’t see real progress as long as the party remains a tool of the presidency rather than a platform for democratic governance.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Nigeria
This isn’t just about party politics. Lukman’s criticisms raise serious questions about the state of democracy in Nigeria. If the ruling party is failing to uphold its promises and is being controlled from the top, what does that mean for the average Nigerian?
Looking Ahead: Can APC Change Course?
The million-dollar question is whether the APC can turn things around. Can it return to its founding vision of internal democracy and accountability? Or is it destined to remain ‘another variant of the PDP’? Only time will tell, but Lukman’s words serve as a stark warning.
Related Developments
- Party Leadership Crisis: The APC is currently facing internal disputes over the direction of the party.
- Economic Challenges: Nigeria is grappling with rising inflation and unemployment, putting pressure on the government to deliver on its promises.
- Public Trust Deficit: There’s growing public distrust in political institutions, making it crucial for the APC to regain the confidence of Nigerians.