Salihu Moh. Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman for the Northwest region of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of governance in Nigeria. He warned that each successive administration has worsened the challenges faced by the nation, with President Bola Tinubu’s government on track to becoming even more problematic than that of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
Lukman compared the recent administrations, noting that while Buhari’s tenure was perceived as a step down from that of Goodluck Jonathan, the current trajectory under Tinubu is alarming. He lamented that despite the severity of the situation, there is a lack of structured political engagement among key opposition figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
“It is insufficient to simply criticize President Tinubu without taking meaningful steps to ensure that the 2027 elections result in the APC’s defeat at all levels,” Lukman stated. He questioned the ability of a new government to perform any better than Tinubu’s, given the current trend of deteriorating governance.
Lukman emphasized the need for opposition leaders to unite and mobilize Nigerians for the 2027 elections. He criticized the lack of decisive action or clear strategy among the opposition, noting that while discussions about 2027 have begun, they have not yet matured into the structured political engagements needed to challenge the ruling party effectively.
He expressed concern that many of the registered political parties, which should be leading the opposition, seem to be covertly supporting President Tinubu’s potential bid for a second term. Lukman criticized the internal crises within opposition parties, such as the infighting within the PDP, Peter Obi’s struggles within the LP, and the directionless leadership of the NNPP under Kwankwaso.
Lukman also pointed out that smaller parties like the SDP and PRP appear to be waiting passively for disgruntled leaders to join them, rather than taking proactive steps to challenge the APC. He warned that this complacency is empowering President Tinubu and the APC to make decisions that exacerbate the hardships faced by Nigerians.
He condemned the government’s “insensitive and reckless” policy decisions, which he argues have worsened living conditions across the country. Lukman criticized the lack of humility and remorse from the administration, as it continues to ask for patience from a suffering populace while indulging in what he describes as “illogical luxurious public expenditure” without following due process.
“The response from opposition leaders has been limited to individual press statements, which is wholly inadequate given the gravity of the situation,” Lukman concluded, calling for a more unified and strategic approach to challenge the current administration and prepare for the 2027 elections.
