Lukman Sparks Fresh Political Drama, Says It’s “Unfair” To Link Atiku To Bribery Claims In ADC Race

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Salihu Lukman, has faulted former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over his suggestion that, if a primary election were held in the party, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi would stand no chance against ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Lukman made his position known in a statement issued on Sunday, while reacting to Kwankwaso’s recent exit from the ADC alongside Peter Obi.

He also expressed surprise that Kwankwaso, barely six weeks after joining the ADC, was already considering leaving the party or aligning with another political platform.

According to him, it is worrying that some political leaders who should be focused on serving the public appear more driven by personal ambition.

He asked, “What has changed that wasn’t there before you joined? You can’t run away from yourself. I am asking these questions almost as an academic exercise, knowing fully well you have already made up your mind. But for clarity, there is nothing in ADC today that is unique to ADC.”

Lukman explained that he was closely involved in the coalition talks that led to the formation of the ADC alliance, noting that one of the key considerations was the need for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the ruling party narrowly won the 2023 election because the opposition was fragmented, adding that the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP were weakened by internal divisions allegedly worsened by external influence.

He added that efforts to build a united opposition platform began as far back as 2024 through consultations with key political figures.

Lukman recalled engaging Kwankwaso in discussions around June 2024, during which the former governor agreed on the need for opposition unity but suggested the process be slowed until 2026.

He also noted that Peter Obi supported the idea of a united opposition, particularly emphasizing the role of Atiku Abubakar in achieving it.

According to him, Atiku also agreed to the coalition plan during a meeting in Morocco in July 2024, despite expressing concerns about past betrayals from some opposition figures.

Lukman urged Kwankwaso to focus on legacy-building rather than personal ambition, considering his age and political experience.

He also dismissed the notion that Atiku would manipulate or bribe his way through party primaries, describing such claims as unfair.

He said, “Given that you are 69 years old and will be 70 by October, one would expect your focus to be on building a lasting political legacy rather than just personal ambition. A key legacy would be promoting collective leadership and a stronger political culture in Nigeria.”