Salihu Lukman, a member of the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused President Bola Tinubu of encouraging governors who divert public funds by continuing to reward them.
Lukman argued that despite clear evidence showing that some governors misuse large federal allocations rather than investing in state development, Tinubu still approves substantial funds for them.
The former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made these remarks during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a programme aired on Channels Television on Friday.
Over the past two years, Nigerians have taken to the streets to protest record-high inflation, widespread hunger, and soaring living costs under Tinubu’s leadership, which began following his tenure as Lagos State governor.
Many analysts link the worsening economic hardship to the government’s twin policies: the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rates.
On Tuesday, the United States Embassy in Nigeria published a report highlighting how some state governors have spent billions renovating government lodges despite the dire economic situation brought about by subsidy removal.
“This kind of fiscal recklessness deepens inequality and destroys public trust,” the embassy stated.
President Tinubu, speaking on Thursday, urged the 36 state governors to invest more in poverty alleviation efforts and ensure Nigerians experience the benefits of good governance.
Responding, Lukman said, “Yes, the President said the right thing, but what actions has he taken to ensure governors fulfil their responsibilities?
“What I observe is that he rewards them for doing the wrong things.”
Lukman went on to claim that the 23 APC governors and their 13 counterparts from opposition parties have grown arrogant and unaccountable because they control their parties’ structures.
“As long as party structures remain under their control, they will continue acting with impunity—treating public resources as personal assets,” he asserted.
He criticised Tinubu’s administration for focusing more on admitting opposition governors into the APC rather than ensuring accountability. In 2025 alone, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno have defected from the PDP to the APC.
“For example, if your party’s recruitment strategy merely chases numbers without demanding accountability, you invite people into your fold without requiring any commitment to public service,” Lukman said.
“In many cases, these individuals seek power for its own sake, not to serve.”
‘APC Now Worse Than PDP’
Lukman also slammed the APC, saying its leadership betrayed the confidence of party members.
“We invested complete trust in APC leaders, and they ultimately betrayed us. That’s why the party is in shambles today—arguably worse than the PDP,” he remarked.
The ADC leader said his new party has learnt from the APC’s mistakes and intends to do better if given the chance to produce Nigeria’s next president in 2027.
“We formed this coalition as a platform for genuine political engagement. We must challenge our leaders. Too often, we assume they will do the right thing without pressure,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure that if we form the next government, everyone will be accountable to the party and adhere to its manifesto. Leadership will be directed toward actual service delivery—not personal ambition,” Lukman concluded.