They rig to win election – Lukman dumps party

Former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and immediate-past National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Moh. Lukman, has left the party, asserting it can no longer win elections without rigging.

In a statement issued Wednesday in Kaduna titled “APC and The Future of Nigerian Democracy: Letter to Selected APC Leaders,” Lukman expressed his concerns about the deteriorating state of the party and the country under President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“It is a shared concern among most party leaders that the situation in the country has deteriorated since President Tinubu took office. The party structures have been demobilized, and government policies have eroded citizens’ income value, worsening living conditions. With these developments, the APC and the governments it controls are becoming increasingly unpopular,” Lukman stated.

He warned that under current conditions, the party cannot win elections without resorting to rigging. “There is no way we can win elections except through rigging. The popular sentiment is that President Tinubu will be a one-term President. The country will be fortunate to reach 2027 without significant upheavals,” he added.

Lukman criticized the lack of internal reform within the APC, suggesting that his membership had become meaningless. He announced his decision to leave the party and work with committed Nigerians to campaign for the survival and development of democracy in the country.

He emphasized the need for a strong party organization to hold elected representatives accountable. “We must develop our democracy to ensure elected representatives are accountable to the party. Nigerians must build strong relationships with political parties and governments to ensure policies reflect the broader interests of the populace.”

Lukman expressed doubts about the potential for significant achievements during Tinubu’s tenure and called on patriots, democrats, and progressives to mobilize against what he termed the “President Asiwaju whirlwind.”

“All organs of the APC have been frozen, and there is hardly any functional channel of internal communication,” he lamented.

Lukman urged the public to campaign for democratic reforms as they did against military rule and the PDP, signaling a strong call to action for change.