In an ever-changing political landscape, the revitalization of political parties can be of crucial importance for Nigeria. It is in this context that Mallam Salihu Lukman, former Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), recently highlighted the need to fundamentally reform the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement titled ‘The Future of Nigerian Democracy: The Urgent Need to Revitalize Political Parties’, Lukman highlighted the importance of strengthening the APC by ensuring the smooth functioning of all its organs, addressing related issues financing the party, implementing an annual national budget of more than ₦100 billion, and aligning the conditions of service of party leaders with those of the public sector.
He insists that these reforms are essential to foster a more robust democracy in Nigeria. Lukman emphasizes that party financing must be addressed to ensure the effectiveness of party structures, going beyond exclusive reliance on elected officials.
Emphasizing the need to rebuild political parties, the APC leader says “the annual national budget should cover the operations of all organs of the party, from the national to the states, local governments and Only when a ruling party can operate with an annual national budget of over ₦100 billion can the terms of service of party leaders at all levels be modeled on those of the public sector. ”
He acknowledges that such reforms pose significant challenges, but emphasizes their necessity to advance political reform in Nigeria. Lukman warns against complacency and stresses the importance of maintaining high standards in the campaign for deeper political reform.
In his words, he said: “Unlike many, I believe that despite our shortcomings in the APC and our limited ability to access and influence the decisions of the President, Asiwaju Tinubu, all is not lost.”
This vision of Lukman highlights the crucial importance of the revitalization of political parties for the development of a thriving democracy in Nigeria. It highlights the need to address challenges and continue a strong commitment to meaningful policy reforms.
In conclusion, the restructuring of political parties, as advocated by Lukman, could play a vital role in building a stronger and more inclusive democracy in Nigeria. Political reform is a key element in ensuring effective and transparent governance, and it deserves special attention from political actors and civil society.