Salihu Lukman, former National Vice Chairman North-west of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has interpreted the recent removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the Senate Chief Whip and his expulsion from the party as a sign that President Bola Tinubu may intend to serve only one term in office.
Ndume was replaced by Senator Tahir Monguno following a directive in a letter from APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and National Secretary, Senator Basiru Ajibola. The decision was reportedly due to Ndume’s severe criticisms of the president.
In a statement titled “Fanatical Mindset” issued on Thursday, Lukman expressed concern over the current state of free speech in Nigeria, comparing the situation to the era of military ruler Sani Abacha. He argued that citizens’ personal liberties are under threat and fair hearings are becoming rare, resulting in a democracy without true democrats.
Lukman pointed out that the APC Constitution does not grant the National Chairman, National Secretary, or any official the authority to unilaterally remove a principal officer of the National Assembly. He criticized the APC Senate Caucus for allowing what he deemed an illegal act, suggesting it undermines the independence of the National Assembly.
“The current state of affairs suggests that President Tinubu might be positioning himself for a single term. Under his administration, the living conditions of Nigerians continue to deteriorate. Rather than developing clear plans to address these issues, the government is increasingly intolerant of criticism,” Lukman stated.
He further emphasized, “A democracy that cannot tolerate criticism is no democracy. A democracy that subverts fair hearing is a dictatorship. A democracy that allows its ruling party to demobilize its organs and expel its members is worse than a military government.”
Lukman concluded by calling on patriotic Nigerians to ensure the defeat of the APC in the 2027 elections if the party continues on its current path.
