Lukman dumps ADC, alleges marginalisation in Kaduna coalition

Former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has suspended his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing alleged marginalisation and internal disagreements within the opposition coalition in Kaduna State.

Lukman announced his decision in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, with copies sent to leaders of the coalition.

The former APC chieftain said he could no longer remain in the party due to what he described as persistent hostility from some coalition leaders in Kaduna, particularly former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

According to him, efforts to build a united opposition platform in the state had been undermined by internal power struggles and decisions that excluded him from the coalition's leadership structure.

Lukman alleged that despite spending more than a year working to reconcile opposition stakeholders and strengthen the coalition in Kaduna, he became the target of sustained opposition from some influential figures within the movement.

He said the situation had left him with no option but to suspend his participation in both the ADC and the coalition.

"I have decided that it is better to remain inactive than continue to pursue expectations that have clearly been frustrated," he stated.

Lukman also expressed concern over what he described as the coalition's failure to uphold the democratic ideals it set out to promote, alleging that some leaders had adopted the same exclusionary practices they previously criticised.

He further claimed that key decisions affecting the party in Kaduna were being taken without the involvement of committed members, a development he said had weakened the ADC's prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former APC stalwart also questioned the role of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in the coalition, alleging that individuals with questionable commitment to the ADC were being favoured over those who had worked to build the party's structures.

Despite his decision, Lukman thanked Senator David Mark and the national leadership of the ADC for their support, stressing that his exit was directed at the conduct of some coalition leaders in Kaduna rather than the party's national leadership.

His resignation marks another setback for the opposition coalition as it intensifies efforts to position itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.