Salihu Mohammed Lukman has officially suspended his involvement with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its opposition coalition. He points to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as the primary reason for his departure, claiming the former governor orchestrated a campaign of political exclusion against him.
In a letter to ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, Lukman expressed regret over his decision. He explained that months of persistent hostility from El-Rufai and his allies regarding the party’s direction in Kaduna made his position untenable. Lukman felt sidelined and disrespected within the very movement he helped establish, arguing that local leadership decisions were being manipulated to minimize his influence.
This exit represents a significant challenge for the coalition’s stability in Kaduna, a key state for the upcoming 2027 elections. Lukman, who previously served as the APC National Vice Chairman for the North-West, noted that he spent over a year working to unite opposition figures in the state, only to find himself the target of a smear campaign. He concluded that it was better to step away than to continue pursuing goals that had been undermined.
Beyond personal grievances, Lukman criticized the coalition’s internal culture, suggesting that some leaders are merely replicating the undemocratic practices they previously condemned in other parties. He specifically raised concerns about former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of engaging with individuals whose commitment to the party’s growth is suspect. Lukman believes these actions prevent the ADC from becoming a robust democratic force and leave it struggling on the political margins.
