The former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has withdrawn his membership of the party.
Lukman disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Lukman, his resignation from the party stems from what he describes as a “lack of internal democracy” and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged failure to implement necessary reforms within the party.
The APC chieftain had been a critic of the party’s leadership, and accused it of straying from the founding vision of the party and ignoring calls for reform.
He said, “It is possible to remain in APC if at all President Asiwaju Tinubu will allow internal reform in the party to return it to its founding vision, which as it is, is very remote.
“But my reality now in the party is that my membership has been rendered useless and there is no need for me to continue to impose myself.”
While expressing future plans he said, “I have therefore gone back to the trenches and will try to work with all committed Nigerians who agree and subscribe to the goal of actively campaigning for the survival and development of democracy in Nigeria.
“We must grow our democracy to the point whereby elected representatives at all levels are accountable to the party and it is possible for Nigerians represented by various interests to develop strong relationship with political parties and elected governments based on which policies of governments can be made to reflect wider interests of Nigerians.
“I am confident that a strong democracy with functional political parties is possible in Nigeria. I am also confident that in our lifetime we can produce governments that are truly capable of making the lives of Nigerians better.“
Lukman acknowledged that his decision might not be well-received by party leaders, adding that he remains hopeful for the unity among all who are dedicated to advancing democracy in Nigeria.
“I don’t expect party leaders will agree with my decision. I believe that eventually, we will be united will all party leaders and other Nigerians who are committed to developing Nigerian democracy,” he added.