By James Adamu
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been thrown into yet another internal crisis following the resignation of one of its founding members, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, who cited persistent hostility and political marginalisation by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), announced his withdrawal from the opposition coalition in a formal letter addressed to the ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark. Copies of the letter were also sent to other leaders of the coalition.
In the letter, Lukman recounted months of what he described as coordinated opposition from El-Rufai and his political allies, particularly regarding the control and direction of the party in Kaduna State.
“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,” Lukman wrote.
He further alleged that party decisions affecting Kaduna State were deliberately manipulated to push him aside, despite his commitment to unifying opposition forces in the state. According to him, his role within the coalition he helped build had been diminished to the point where he felt completely sidelined.
“For Mallam Nasir and his people, I am the problem. I have decided to resolve the problem for them and everyone,” he stated.
Lukman also expressed doubt about the coalition’s dedication to democratic principles, accusing some of its leaders of repeating the same undemocratic behaviours they had once criticised.
“For many coalition leaders, the objective of rescuing our democracy is just about allowing them to have their way, even when their actions reproduce the old habits that destroyed our former parties,” he said.
He also took a swipe at former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of engaging with individuals in Kaduna whose loyalty to the ADC was questionable, while ignoring those who had worked genuinely to strengthen the party’s structures.
“Whatever he wants to do with them is certainly not about building the party into a strong democratic party,” Lukman added.
The resignation is one of the most visible signs of internal discord within the ADC-led opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political observers say the development could raise fresh concerns about the coalition’s unity, especially in Kaduna State, which is considered a key political battleground.
Lukman said he had spent over a year trying to reconcile and mobilise opposition leaders in the state, only to become the target of what he called a deliberate campaign orchestrated by El-Rufai’s camp.
He announced the suspension of both his ADC membership and participation in the coalition, stating it was better “to be inactive than to continue to chase dashed expectations.”
Despite his decision, Lukman thanked Senator David Mark and other national leaders of the ADC, stressing that his action was not aimed at the party’s national leadership but was a personal response to the treatment he received at the state level.
Discussion about this post