Former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (North-West), Salihu Lukman, has highlighted the need for the Dr Abdullahi Ganduje-led National Working Committee to establish an annual budget of N100bn to operate effectively without relying on elected officials for funding.
In a statement titled ‘Wither Nigerian Democracy: Urgency of Rebuilding Political Parties’ issued in Abuja, Lukman emphasized the importance of implementing reforms within the ruling party to strengthen their candidates’ electoral prospects for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Lukman stressed the significance of resolving party funding issues beyond dependence on elected representatives. He urged the new leadership to develop a national annual budget, empowering the NWC to mobilize financial resources through various avenues.
He proposed that the APC should operate a national budget exceeding N100bn to align the conditions of service for party leaders with those in public service. Lukman believes that enhancing party leaders’ conditions will reduce their subordination to elected officials and strengthen the party’s ability to hold representatives accountable.
The Kaduna politician also expressed concerns about the leadership crises affecting opposition parties like the Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party, and the New Nigeria People’s Party. He warned that failing to allow political platforms’ organs to function properly could lead to similar challenges in other parties.
Lukman observed a trend where issues within the ruling APC party were spreading to other political entities in Nigeria, indicating a broader crisis of accountability and a decline in democratic values. He criticized the prevalence of sycophancy in politics, noting a lack of open debate and contestation, particularly within the supposedly progressive-oriented APC.
As Nigeria faces a deepening crisis of accountability, Lukman called for a reformist approach among political parties to effectively compete against the APC and uphold democratic principles. By addressing these challenges well ahead of the next general election, parties can gain stronger electoral advantages and promote a culture of transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics.
