Salihu Lukman, former national vice chairman (North-west) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged opposition leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to step up and lead the reform of Nigeria’s democracy. He called for the formation of a functional political party capable of rescuing the nation.
Lukman also suggested that sidelined APC leaders, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and ex-Governors Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Ibikunle Amosun, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola, should collaborate with opposition leaders to restore Nigeria’s path to democratic development.
In a statement titled “#EndBadGovernance Campaign: What Next?” issued in Abuja on Sunday, Lukman criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government for failing to address the country’s pressing issues, which were exacerbated by the removal of petroleum subsidies and the floating of the Naira’s exchange rate.
He noted that these policies have led to inflation and increased hardship for Nigerians, who face daily challenges of hunger and preventable diseases.
Lukman emphasized the importance of integrating the #EndBadGovernance message into the structure of any party aiming to rescue Nigeria. He warned that failing to do so would hinder efforts to challenge and defeat the current APC government in 2027.
He called on opposition leaders to utilize the rising anger in the country to create a functional political party distinct from the APC, PDP, LP, and NNPP. He urged the mobilization of Nigerian youth to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register new parties meeting statutory requirements, suggesting that there appears to be an undeclared moratorium on new party registrations.
Lukman criticized the Tinubu administration for excessive spending amid widespread poverty and hunger, contributing to the country’s volatile situation. He called on committed democrats to mobilize Nigerians towards reforming democratic structures and warned that ignoring the grievances of Nigerian youth could lead to violence and chaos.
He concluded by urging opposition leaders to build the necessary democratic structures to connect with all Nigerians and earn their trust.