Salihu Lukman Suspends ADC Membership, Accuses Nasir El‑Rufai of Hostile Treatment

Former APC National Vice Chairman (North‑West) Salihu Lukman announced the suspension of his membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the wider opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He conveyed the decision in a message addressed to ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, copying other coalition leaders, and apologised for any disappointment his move might cause.

Lukman wrote, “This may come to you as a disappointment. I am very sorry. I just can’t continue to bear the painful hostile treatment I keep getting from some leaders from Kaduna, especially Mallam Nasir,” referring to Nasir El‑Rufai.

He alleged that decisions regarding the coalition’s leadership structure in Kaduna were manipulated to exclude him, despite his efforts to build and strengthen the opposition movement.

Describing his experience, Lukman said he had been treated “like a bastard” in a coalition he had worked hard to establish.

Over more than a year, he attempted to reconcile opposition figures and unite political leaders in Kaduna State.

However, he claimed that El‑Rufai and his supporters viewed him as an obstacle and launched a coordinated campaign against him.

“For Mallam Nasir and his people, I am the problem. I have decided to resolve the problem for them and everyone,” he stated.

Lukman explained that suspending his membership was preferable to remaining active in a political project where his efforts and expectations were repeatedly frustrated.

He added that it was better “to be inactive than to continue to chase dashed expectations.”

The former APC chieftain also questioned the coalition’s commitment to democratic principles, accusing some leaders of adopting the same exclusionary tactics they had previously condemned in the ruling APC.

These developments steadily weakened his confidence in the coalition’s ability to offer a credible political alternative.

Lukman further accused former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi of bringing individuals into Kaduna whose dedication to the ADC remained doubtful.

He alleged that party members who had invested time and resources in building the ADC’s structures were being ignored in favour of newcomers lacking proven commitment.

According to him, this situation reduced the ADC to “a marginal participant” in preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Despite his criticism, Lukman expressed appreciation to Senator Mark and other national leaders of the opposition coalition, clarifying that his decision was not directed against the ADC’s national leadership.

He stressed that his action was a response to the treatment he allegedly received from El‑Rufai and certain coalition figures in Kaduna.

Lukman concluded that the internal dynamics had made it impossible for him to continue participating actively in the party and coalition under the prevailing circumstances.