Kaduna ADC Crisis: El-Rufai's ally Salisu Lukman quits party

Salisu Lukman, a former prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an ally of ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Lukman stated in a formal resignation letter to ADC National Chairman David Mark that "painful, hostile treatment" by party leaders in Kaduna, particularly Mr. El-Rufai, was the primary cause for his exit.

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painful, hostile treatment

Lukman lamented that decisions regarding leadership representation in Kaduna were handled in a way that "reduced [him] to the status of a bastard," prompting him to withdraw from party activities. He expressed that his vision for the ADC as a formidable democratic alternative had faded, accusing party leaders of prioritizing personal gain over the collective goal of strengthening Nigerian democracy. "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," Lukman wrote.

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reduced [him] to the status of a bastard

He further cautioned that internal conflicts were significantly diminishing the ADC's chances, potentially making it a "marginal participant" in the upcoming 2027 elections. Lukman also accused former Rivers State Governor and ADC vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi of bypassing established party structures in Kaduna to engage individuals with "questionable commitment." "Whatever he wants to do with them is certainly not about building the party into a strong democratic party, which is why the views of those of us from Kaduna do not matter. This is disrespectful, and I wish him good luck," Lukman stated.

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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

Lukman alleged that he was considered the "problem" by Mr. El-Rufai and his loyalists, which led to his decision to step aside. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve but noted his grievance was specifically tied to the "disdainful treatment" from El-Rufai's camp. "It is better to be inactive than to continue to chase dashed expectations," Lukman added, asking the party leadership to respect his withdrawal as he considers his political future. The ADC leadership, along with the camps of Mr. El-Rufai and Mr. Amaechi, have not yet responded to the resignation.

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Whatever he wants to do with them is certainly not about building the party into a strong democratic party, which is why the views of those of us from Kaduna do not matter. This is disrespectful, and I wish him good luck