APC needs ₦100bn annually to retain power in 2027 - Chieftain

Lukman said there is no justification for the ruling party's inability to manage a National Annual Budget exceeding ₦100 billion.

Salisu Moh. Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Northwest region, has urged significant reforms within the party to enhance its electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He emphasised the importance of revitalising the APC by ensuring the effective functioning of all its organs, addressing issues related to party funding, implementing an Annual National Budget of over ₦100 Billion, and aligning the conditions of service for party leaders with those in the public sector.

Lukman believes these reforms are essential for fostering a more robust democracy in Nigeria.

In a statement issued to reporters on Sunday in Abuja, titled 'The Future of Nigerian Democracy: The Urgent Need to Revitalise Political Parties', the former Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) emphasised the critical importance of rebuilding political parties.

He stressed that party financing must be addressed to ensure the effectiveness of party structures, moving beyond reliance solely on elected officials.

The APC chieftain said, "Note that National Annual Budget should cover the operations of all party organs, from National to States, Local Governments and Wards. It is only when a ruling party can operate National Annual Budget of more than ₦100 Billion that the condition of service for party leaders at all levels can be benchmarked with public service conditions."

He acknowledged that such reforms pose significant challenges but emphasised their necessity for advancing political reform in Nigeria.

He warned against settling for complacency and stressed the importance of maintaining high standards in the campaign for more profound political reform.

Lukman said, "Unlike many, I believe that, with all our shortcomings in APC and weak capacity to access and influence decisions of President Asiwaju Tinubu, all is not lost.

"To the extent that APC leaders and President Asiwaju Tinubu can consider proposals for internal reform of the APC, the prospects of APC rectifying its shortcomings, returning to its founding vision of emerging as a progressive party are there."