The Former Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Mallam Salihu Lukman, has expressed concern over the alleged dependence of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, and other elected officials to fund its activities. Lukman highlighted these issues in a recent piece titled “Wither Nigerian Democracy: Urgency of Rebuilding Political Parties,” where he raised questions about the lack of a clearly defined funding framework within the APC.
In his critique, Lukman pointed out the challenges of transparent financial management and the diversion of resources within the party. He emphasized the need for a robust financial structure that would enable the APC to operate independently of elected representatives. Lukman called for a national yearly budget of N100 billion for the party, urging the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to mobilize financial resources through alternative means.
The former PGF Director General highlighted the detrimental effects of relying on elected members for funding, arguing that it undermines the party’s autonomy and weakens its ability to hold elected officials accountable. Lukman also expressed concern over the resurgence of candidate imposition within the APC, suggesting that resolving the issue of party funding was crucial for restoring the functionality of party organs.
Furthermore, Lukman criticized the prevalence of sycophancy among APC supporters, emphasizing the importance of financial independence for the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He stressed that achieving financial autonomy would provide the APC with stronger electoral advantages and enable it to fulfill its founding vision as a progressive party.
Meanwhile, another prominent APC member, Garus Gololo, voiced his discontent with President Tinubu’s leadership and the current administration’s economic policies. Gololo accused Tinubu of neglecting the welfare of Nigerians and implementing policies that favored capitalists over the masses. He lamented the economic hardships faced by Nigerians due to tariff and tax increases, criticizing the administration’s failure to deliver on its promise of “Renewed Hope.”
Gololo announced plans for a merger to form a new political party aimed at challenging the APC in the next election. He highlighted the escalating cost of living under the current administration and called for a change in leadership to address the economic challenges facing the country.
The remarks by Lukman and Gololo reflect growing discontent within the APC over issues of party funding, governance, and economic policies. As Nigeria prepares for the next election cycle, these concerns could shape political dynamics and influence voter sentiments.
The APC leadership has yet to respond to the criticisms raised by Lukman and Gololo. However, their statements underscore the need for the party to address internal challenges and articulate a clear vision for the future. Failure to do so could further erode public confidence in the APC and impact its electoral prospects in the upcoming polls.
