Era of Winning Elections in the North Solely Through Buhari’s Endorsement Is Over – Salihu Lukman

Former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Salihu Lukman, has declared that the era when political candidates could win elections in northern Nigeria solely on the endorsement of former President Muhammadu Buhari is now over. Lukman, now a prominent figure in the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday.

Reflecting on Buhari’s influence and recent passing, Lukman noted that even before his death, the former president’s political clout had waned, casting doubt on his ability to sway elections as he once did. He emphasized that Buhari’s absence marks a turning point in northern political dynamics, where politicians can no longer rely on a single figure’s support to secure victory.

Lukman urged leaders within the ADC coalition to recognize the new political reality and work together to build a cohesive and robust political platform. He stressed that only through humility, collaboration, and strong teamwork could the opposition present a credible alternative capable of defeating the ruling APC and addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

He further cautioned against complacency, highlighting that many northern politicians had previously relied heavily on Buhari’s endorsements rather than engaging meaningfully with voters. According to him, this dependency fostered a culture of political laziness that must now give way to genuine public engagement and accountability.

“What we must learn, especially in the coalition, is that we don’t have somebody with the kind of intimidating profile like that of the late Buhari,” Lukman said. “Our leaders must acknowledge they need one another and develop a strong team spirit. It’s not just about defeating Tinubu and the APC, but about creating a fresh political template that can meet Nigerians’ expectations.”

He reiterated the need for a new approach in leadership that listens to citizens and delivers on promises made during campaigns. Lukman’s comments come just a day after Buhari was laid to rest with full state honours, marking the end of an era that had significantly shaped northern political fortunes.