ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- In a significant development, Mallam Salihu Lukman, the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for North-West, has formally resigned from his position.
His resignation letter was tendered on Wednesday to the Acting National Chairman of the party, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
This comes just one week after the former National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, had also stepped down from their respective roles.
In the letter, Lukman attributed his decision to the alleged illegal activities and interference in the party’s affairs, which he believes are contrary to the principles laid down by the party’s founding fathers.
Lukman stated: “Your Excellency, I hereby kindly resign my position as National Vice Chairman, North-West of our great party, All Progressives Congress. My resignation is with immediate effect, which becomes necessary given my conviction that the atmosphere in the party is completely at variance with the founding vision of forming a progressive party.”
He further expressed that he did not wish to become a distraction to the leaders, especially to the young government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and hence decided to step aside.
Lukman asserted: “Rather than remaining in the leadership of the party and becoming a source of distraction for leaders and especially for the young government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is better to excuse myself and take time off from politics.”
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While he plans to retain his membership in the party, Lukman hopes that the leaders, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will reconsider actions that he deems unjust and illegal, which he believes are essential for upholding democratic and progressive values.
The outgoing vice chairman also extended his appreciation to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for nominating and supporting him throughout his tenure. He pledged to continue supporting the party from the background in any way he can.
Lukman concluded: “I wish to convey my sincere gratitude to our leaders in Kaduna, especially Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai for finding me worthy of nomination to serve at the highest level of the party’s leadership.
“I do hope all our leaders will appreciate that I am left with no option in the circumstance.
“I wish the party and all our leaders, especially President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu all the best and will continue to give my modest support towards the success of the party from the background.”