Lukman: Why Akande, Oshiomhole Endorsed My Book on APC

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A former National Vice Chairman, North-west, of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has said two former national chairmen of the party, Chief Bisi Akande and Adams Oshiomhole, had endorsed his new book titled: ”APC and Transition Politics” because they were unanimous that there was a need to return APC to its founding vision.

Lukman, in a statement, yesterday, said Oshiomhole was emphatic that progressive leaders within the APC must encourage disagreements as a basis for nurturing the growth and development of both the party and Nigeria’s democracy.

The National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, had recently endorsed the book. 

Lukman said: “Two former National Chairmen of APC, Chief Bisi Akande and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. First, I met Chief Akande on September 18 and on Wednesday, September 28, met Comrade Oshiomhole. 

“In the two meetings, we discussed recent developments in APC, including the initiative to produce the publication, APC and Transition Politics. Both leaders welcomed the initiative and expressed concern about recent experiences, which erode the democratic space within the party.”

The APC chieftain said the leaders acknowledged the leadership role of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in resisting attempts by some conservative leaders within the party to impose a consensus presidential candidate for the 2023 elections. 

He said notably, they both recalled how many leaders of the APC had to rise against a determined effort by fellow party leaders to undermine the APC electoral victory during the 2023 elections.

Lukman added: “While commending the initiative to document these experiences, the two leaders were unanimous that returning APC to its founding vision of becoming a progressive party will require consistent struggle against conservative elements both within the party and outside. 

“It is not going to be an easy battle and would require strong commitment and capacity to stubbornly continue to campaign for restoration of democratic values within the APC.”