The Presidency yesterday responded sharply to criticism from Salihu Lukman, former National Vice Chairman (Northwest) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who voiced concerns about what he described as the worsening state of governance in Nigeria. Lukman claimed that each successive administration had performed worse than its predecessor, with President Bola Tinubu’s government appearing set to outdo the shortcomings of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Lukman expressed his disappointment, noting that while the Buhari administration was seen as falling short of public expectations compared to the Goodluck Jonathan administration, President Tinubu’s performance thus far seemed poised to be even more disappointing. He criticized the lack of serious engagement among opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), regarding the 2027 elections.
It is not enough to complain that President Bola Tinubu is bad without corresponding initiative to ensure that 2027 results in the defeat of APC at all levels. If APC is defeated in 2027, what is the guarantee that the new government to emerge post-Tinubu will not be worse?” Lukman stated. He highlighted the pattern of declining governance, where each government at all levels progressively becomes worse, warning that if this trend continues, Nigerians may find themselves unable to change the government in 2027.
Lukman urged opposition leaders to move beyond casual discussions and take definitive steps toward mobilizing Nigerians for a change in 2027. He emphasized that, while some discussions are ongoing about what needs to be done, these conversations have not yet evolved into structured political engagements within the opposition parties.
In response, the Presidency dismissed Lukman’s remarks, stating that it would not be distracted by such comments and was fully focused on governance under President Tinubu. The Presidency reiterated its commitment to addressing the country’s challenges, urging critics to remain patient as the administration works towards fulfilling its promises.
