Former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has announced the suspension of his membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing what he described as persistent hostile treatment from former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.
In a statement addressed to the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, Lukman said he felt consistently sidelined in matters relating to the party’s leadership structure in Kaduna State, leaving him frustrated and undervalued.
He said his initial hope of helping to build the ADC into a strong democratic platform had gradually faded, alleging that some coalition leaders were repeating the same political practices that weakened their former parties.
According to Lukman, he spent over a year working to unite political stakeholders in Kaduna, but claimed that some influential figures within the coalition viewed him as the problem. He said suspending his membership was the best decision under the circumstances.
He added that he would take time away from active politics to reflect on his future, stressing that remaining inactive was preferable to pursuing expectations that had not materialised.
Lukman also criticised the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of engaging with individuals in Kaduna whose commitment to the party was questionable instead of strengthening the party’s internal structure.
Despite stepping away from the party, Lukman clarified that his decision does not affect his personal relationship with ADC National Chairman David Mark and other party leaders. He insisted, however, that his action was a direct response to what he described as disrespectful treatment from Nasir el-Rufai and his supporters in Kaduna.
Lukman previously resigned from the APC in 2024 after serving as the Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).
