Ex-APC Chieftain Lukman Criticized by Presidency Over Nigeria’s Economic Hardship
The Presidency responded yesterday to comments made by Salihu Lukman, a former Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who criticized the worsening state of governance in Nigeria.
Lukman claimed that each administration in the country has been progressively worse than the one before it, and that President Bola Tinubu’s government is on track to be worse than his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari’s.
Lukman expressed disappointment that despite this decline, opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour Party), and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (NNPP) have not been engaging seriously in discussions about the 2027 elections.
He argued that it’s not enough to criticize Tinubu without taking action to ensure the APC is defeated in 2027. Lukman warned that if the opposition doesn’t organize effectively, the Tinubu administration might continue beyond 2027, which could lead to an even worse situation.
Lukman also noted that while there are some ongoing discussions about the 2027 elections, they haven’t yet developed into structured political efforts by opposition parties.
He criticized the opposition for being in disarray, with internal conflicts and lack of unity, which he believes is allowing Tinubu and the APC to continue making reckless decisions that worsen living conditions for Nigerians.
In response, the Presidency dismissed Lukman’s remarks, saying they are focused on governance and confident that the results of their reforms will speak for themselves. The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that they have no time for those who are only interested in criticizing the administration.