“Nigerian Senate under Akpabio, an extension of Tinubu’s govt” – Former APC chieftain

Salihu Lukman, the former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of reducing the Nigerian Senate to a mere extension of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

Lukman’s criticisms come in the wake of the removal of Senate Whip Mohammed Ndume by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, led by Abdullahi Ganduje.

In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, titled “Fanatical Mindset,” Lukman urged all patriotic Nigerians to take responsibility for rescuing the country from what he described as undemocratic practices within the ruling party.

He condemned the treatment of leaders within the APC, likening their behaviour to officials of military tribunals who condemn without fair hearings.

Lukman said he found it troubling that APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, suggested Ndume should resign from the party and join any opposition party of his choice.

He expressed disappointment that the APC Senate Caucus allowed such an act, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the independence of the National Assembly.

Lukman stated, “Any democracy that cannot accommodate criticisms is no democracy. A democracy that subverts fair hearing is a dictatorship.

“A democracy that permits a ruling party to demobilize its organs and inadvertently expels its members is worse than a military government.

“All patriotic Nigerian political leaders must unite to restore Nigeria’s democracy.”

He called on Nigerian opposition leaders to unite and build a robust political party to restore and rebuild democracy.

He also invited orphaned leaders within the APC, including Ndume, to join efforts to revitalize the country’s democratic institutions.