Top APC chieftain Speaks on how Tinubu emerged as ruling party’s presidential candidate for 2023 elections

Former Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has shed light on the factors propelling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure the presidential candidacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

In a detailed analysis titled “Why Political Parties in Nigeria should be Reformed,” Lukman articulated that Tinubu’s distinguished record as a staunch democrat gave him an advantage over competitors during the presidential primary in Abuja.

Lukman underscored Tinubu’s history as a pro-democracy activist integral to ending military rule in Nigeria in 1999.

While Lukman accused President Tinubu of distancing himself from the APC’s founding members, he reiterated his unwavering commitment to advocating for good governance and overhauling the country’s political party structures.

As part of his efforts to promote reform, Lukman announced the imminent public presentation of his book “APC and Transition Politics” scheduled for December 19 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

He said the book aims to champion government accountability and responsiveness to citizens’ needs, aligning with Lukman’s vision for political party reformation.

Expressing confidence in Tinubu’s democratic credentials, Lukman emphasized the need for collective engagement between party members and leaders to ensure the fulfilment of promises made to Nigerians since 2015.

“We are also confident that President Asiwaju Tinubu is a committed democrat and truly a progressive politician. We were never wrong in our estimation that out of all the 23 leaders who aspired to become our presidential candidates for the 2023 general elections, he was best qualified.

“Therefore, as party members and leaders, we must continue to engage him to live up to all the promises we made to Nigerians since 2015. We must work hard and make all the necessary sacrifices to ensure that both President Asiwaju Tinubu and the APC succeed in moving Nigerian democracy forward,” he added.