Political Earthquake: Salihu Lukman's Shock Exit Plunges Kaduna ADC Into Crisis

A significant political development has unfolded within the Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as Dr. Salihu Mohammed Lukman, a founding member of the party, has announced his decision to withdraw his membership. This departure stems from deep-seated concerns regarding what he describes as the systemic hijack of the party's structures and what he characterizes as hostile treatment, specifically implicating former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the internal affairs of the chapter.

Dr. Lukman, who previously served as the National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made his decision public in a statement issued on Thursday. He cited his inability to remain within the ADC due to the ongoing struggle for control of the party structure in Kaduna State and the perceived hostile environment. He elaborated that the internal crisis has severely undermined the foundational ideals that initially inspired the formation of the opposition coalition, leading to a significant erosion of public confidence in the ADC's credibility as a viable political alternative in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

According to Lukman, instead of focusing collective efforts on constructing a unified opposition platform capable of effectively addressing the myriad challenges confronting Nigeria, certain leaders within the party have become excessively preoccupied with asserting control over the party's internal structures, particularly within the Kaduna State chapter. He specifically pointed to the alleged interference by El-Rufai in the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the Kaduna chapter as a critical factor that rendered his continued membership untenable.

Lukman further maintained that this protracted internal crisis is proving to be a major distraction, diverting the party's attention and resources away from its broader national objectives. He issued a stern warning that, unless immediate and decisive steps are undertaken to restore genuine internal democracy and transparency within the party, the ADC risks irrevocably losing the trust and confidence of Nigerian citizens who are actively seeking a credible and effective opposition platform to represent their interests.