The political landscape in Nigeria has been dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) since its inception, but recent years have brought to light significant challenges facing the party. One of the central issues at the core of these challenges is the critical element of accountability. This accountability is paramount to unlocking the full potential of the APC as a transformative force in Nigerian politics.
Initially, the formation of the APC sparked optimism among Nigerians due to the inclusive discussions that took place during its establishment. There were high hopes for the positive change that this political alliance could bring to the country.
However, according to Mallam Salihu Lukman, former Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the APC seems to have drifted away from its identity as a forward-thinking progressive party. He expressed concern about the decisions made by APC leaders leading up to the 2015 general elections and the subsequent formation of the federal government, suggesting that these choices may not align with the deep aspirations of the Nigerian populace.
Lukman points out that many party leaders, who could have upheld accountability and ensured the fulfillment of campaign promises outlined in the APC manifesto, instead prioritized seeking government positions for themselves, neglecting their responsibilities to the public.
Faced with the realities of these political dynamics and the failure to meet public expectations and campaign commitments over the past nine years, Salihu Lukman emphasizes the urgent need for President Asiwaju Tinubu to encourage APC leaders to engage in a process of internal reassessment.
Lukman believes that this internal reassessment should lead to a revitalization of progressive politics in Nigeria, acknowledging that the current state of affairs within the APC does not reflect progressive ideals. Despite the initial promise of the APC in 2013, Lukman argues that this progressive trajectory has been compromised and lost over time.
In essence, accountability emerges as the linchpin for the APC to rediscover its original purpose as a progressive party and to fulfill the expectations of the Nigerian people. It is essential for the party’s leaders to introspect and realign with the foundational principles that inspired its inception. The future of Nigerian politics hinges, in part, on the APC’s ability to return to its core values and regain the trust of the population.