Presidency Reacts to Lukman’s Claim That Tinubu Administration Is Worse Than Buhari’s

The Presidency has fired back at Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following his sharp criticism of the current state of governance in Nigeria. Lukman had expressed concerns over what he termed the “progressive deterioration” of governance under successive administrations, claiming that President Bola Tinubu’s government is on track to perform worse than its predecessors.

Lukman, who has been vocal about his discontent with the direction of the nation, argued that despite initial hopes placed in former President Muhammadu Buhari, his administration ended up performing below public expectations, even worse than that of his predecessor, President Goodluck Jonathan. He warned that President Tinubu’s government appears poised to follow the same trajectory.

In a pointed commentary, Lukman highlighted the lack of structured engagement among opposition leaders, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi (Labour Party), and Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (NNPP), concerning the 2027 elections. He criticized the opposition’s disunity, stating that without a concerted effort, there is little hope for change in the next election cycle.

“It is not enough to complain that President Bola Tinubu is bad without corresponding initiative to ensure that 2027 results in the defeat of APC at all levels,” Lukman remarked. He expressed concern that if the opposition remains fragmented, the APC could retain power, leading to a continuation of what he perceives as worsening governance.

Lukman also took aim at the internal crises plaguing the major opposition parties, accusing them of being more focused on internal disputes than on presenting a united front against the current administration. He suggested that this disarray has only emboldened President Tinubu and his party to make “insensitive and reckless” policy decisions that exacerbate the hardship faced by Nigerians.

In response, the Presidency dismissed Lukman’s comments, asserting that the administration remains undistracted and focused on governance. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated, “We are focused on governance. The results of our reforms will speak eloquently for us. We have no time for people whose pastime is denigrating the administration.”