A former member of the All Progressives Congress National Working Committee, Malam Salihu Lukman, has resigned from the party, citing the lack of internal democracy and the inability to allow needed reforms.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Lukman expressed his disappointment and frustration with the party’s direction, stating that his membership had become “useless” and that he saw no point in continuing.
Lukman, also a former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, addressed his resignation letter to selected APC leaders, expressing his disillusionment with the party’s deviation from its founding vision, according to Daily Post.
He hinted that the only reason he would consider staying in the party is if President Tinubu allows for internal reforms to return the party to its original principles, but he considers this possibility “very remote”.
“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.
“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.”
