In a recent interview on Arise TV, Salihu Lukman, former Vice National Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed his concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu’s inaccessibility to party members who were pivotal in his election victory. Lukman asserted that the President is surrounded by aides and associates who might be leading him astray, setting him up for failure.
Lukman emphasized the importance of allowing skilled and capable individuals to have access to the President to guide and persuade him in making the right decisions. He stressed that for Tinubu to succeed and be celebrated as a historic leader, he needs to enable the party to function effectively by ensuring that competent people are at the helm.
“I don’t want Asiwaju to fail. I want him to succeed because it’s in our interest for him to succeed. As a nation, we’re hungry for a leader who in 200 years to come will be celebrated just like Americans are celebrating George Washington,” Lukman stated. He added that the President should focus on empowering the party to control and direct decisions based on the party’s manifesto.
Lukman also highlighted the frustration of party members who feel like onlookers, unable to influence decisions or access the President. He recalled similar issues during President Buhari’s administration and stressed the need for a change in approach to avoid repeating past mistakes.
The former APC chieftain’s remarks underscore the necessity for transparent and inclusive leadership within the party to ensure that its objectives and manifesto are effectively implemented for the nation’s progress.