Salihu Moh. Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has sharply criticized his party for failing to meet the expectations of Nigerians over the past nine years. In a statement released on Tuesday, Lukman argued that the elected governments at various levels are performing worse than the previous military rulers, leading to increased poverty and insecurity.
Lukman pointed out that despite 25 years of democratic rule since 1999, the welfare of Nigerians has significantly deteriorated, with unemployment and poverty rates rising. He lamented the poor management of national resources and the normalization of insecurity.
“The worst part of it is that we have elected governments, virtually at all levels, performing worse than military rulers. Although theories of democracy and politics have unquestionably proven that elected leaders will be more accountable, 25 years of democratic rule in Nigeria is yet to produce leaders that are predisposed to accommodating the interests of citizens,” Lukman said.
He questioned whether Nigeria’s democracy has failed to provide the expected opportunities or if the majority of Nigerians are unable to effectively seize these opportunities. Lukman called for a thorough examination of these issues to develop creative solutions to the country’s challenges.
While reaffirming his commitment to the APC, Lukman admitted that the party has not lived up to its promises. He stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing challenges honestly rather than denying or rationalizing them.
“A correct assessment of reality is about honest criticisms and taking responsibility. It is not about rationalizing choices or denial of challenges and realities,” he added.
Lukman also criticized the APC’s leadership for not adhering to its constitution, failing to hold meetings, and lacking accountability. He accused the party of abandoning its manifesto since becoming the ruling party in 2015, with leaders having little influence over the government’s actions.
“Processes of appointments into government and policy decisions have been made the prerogative of the president at the national level and governors at state levels. Like under military rule, when citizens were reduced to distant observers, under the APC, party leaders and members have also become distant observers,” Lukman concluded.
