Rita Odafe
Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has voiced his concerns over the deteriorating conditions in Nigeria under the party’s leadership.
He highlighted that the APC’s shortcomings have exceeded those of the previously ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was removed from power in 2015.
Lukman’s press release, distributed to journalists in Abuja, emphasized the failures of the APC in fulfilling its anti-corruption pledge, leading to the entrenchment of corruption and ‘state capture’ across different levels.
Expressing doubts about the future of democracy in Nigeria, Lukman questioned the ability of the political system to produce leaders capable of addressing national issues effectively.
He underlined prevalent challenges in the country such as poverty, unemployment, insecurity, drug abuse, millions of out-of-school children in the northern region, inflation, and declining income values, particularly during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure.
Lukman critiqued the attempt by some of President Tinubu’s government officials to attribute current hardships to the economic legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, pointing out that both administrations belong to the APC and suggesting that the party’s governance has worsened the situation since 2015.
The former APC leader also pointed out the collective responsibility of APC leaders, including President Tinubu, in addressing the failures of the Buhari administration and the lack of effective governance within the party.
He criticized the APC for deviating from democratic principles and creating a system where elected officials act as authoritarian figures, leading to the state machinery being utilized solely for their personal gain.
