Former APC chairman Salihu Lukman has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of lacking any functioning democratic structure, claiming that even a monarchy would be more effective than the current party system. Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Monday, Lukman stated that the APC’s internal governance has broken down, with key organs failing to operate as required by the party’s constitution.
Lukman, who left the APC and briefly joined the African Democratic Congress before suspending his membership, criticized the party’s leadership for being overconfident due to the disunity within the opposition. He expressed disappointment, saying he once believed President Bola Tinubu and the APC were committed democrats in 2023, but now sees no evidence of democratic processes within the party.
He pointed out that the National Executive Committee (NEC), which is constitutionally mandated to meet every three months, may not have convened in about six months. According to him, this failure reflects a broader collapse in the party’s institutional framework. Other party bodies are also inactive, he noted, suggesting that the APC has become more of a top-down organization than a participatory political movement.
Lukman emphasized that for the APC to regain its credibility, it must be challenged and forced to reform. He argued that the party’s current confidence in winning upcoming elections stems not from strength, but from the opposition’s inability to unite and present a coherent alternative. “They are so confident of victory because the opposition has failed to get its act together,” he said.
His remarks come amid growing concerns about the state of democracy within Nigeria’s major political parties, especially as the country prepares for critical elections. The absence of regular party meetings and decision-making processes raises questions about transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in the APC’s operations.
By highlighting these structural failures, Lukman is calling attention to deeper issues that could affect the party’s long-term viability and its role in Nigeria’s democratic development. His comments may spark further debate within the political space, particularly among members and observers who advocate for stronger party institutions.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its political landscape, the need for functional, democratic party systems remains crucial. Lukman’s critique serves as a reminder that without active participation and adherence to constitutional rules, even the most powerful political parties risk becoming irrelevant or dysfunctional.
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