Salihu Lukman Raises Alarm: Escalating Imposition, Rigging, And Vote Buying In APC

Dr. Salihu Lukman, former National Vice Chairman North-west of the All Progressives Congress (APC)…CONTINUE READING

has expressed concerns, stating that the ruling party is now at a stage reminiscent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007, employing tactics such as imposition, vote buying, and rigging in political contests.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Lukman warned that the APC might progress to a situation where the majority of its candidates for the 2027 elections are selected through imposition.

Despite the initial confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership to transform the APC into a truly progressive party, Lukman observed a shift within six months, suggesting that Tinubu’s commitment might be contingent on the party meeting his preferences.

Lukman emphasized the erosion of internal democracy within the APC, noting the disregard for party organs specified in the APC constitution.

He criticized the party’s deviation from its vision as a progressive political entity and likened its current state to the old PDP model under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, marked by a demand for 100 percent loyalty.

The party chieftain highlighted the silence within the APC concerning issues such as the emergence of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman and the subsequent freezing of party structures.

Lukman warned that unless lawlessness within political parties is addressed, the manipulation of political contests through imposition, vote buying, and rigging will persist.

He concluded by drawing parallels between the APC’s current trajectory and the PDP’s situation in 2007, suggesting that unless corrective measures are taken, the APC may see a prevalence of imposed candidates in the 2027 elections similar to the scenario in the PDP in 2007.