Amanze ChinonyeSalihu Lukman, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused President Bola Tinubu of enabling financial mismanagement by state governors. He said the president continues to approve large federal allocations to subnational governments despite growing evidence that many governors divert public funds and fail to deliver meaningful development in their states.
Lukman made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Friday, where he alleged that instead of holding state leaders accountable, President Tinubu has chosen to reward them for their failures. “Yes, the president has said the right things, but what is he doing to ensure that governors do what they need to do? What I see him doing is to reward them for doing the wrong things,” he said.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to Lukman, the culture of impunity among governors is fueled by their total control of party structures at the state level, which renders them unaccountable to citizens. He claimed that many governors behave with arrogance and treat public resources as personal property because political systems have been designed to protect them from scrutiny. He warned that the continued lack of accountability and poor leadership was contributing to rising public anger in a country already grappling with economic hardship.
Since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigerians have faced record levels of inflation, hunger, and a high cost of living, challenges analysts have linked to his government’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of the foreign exchange rates. The hardship has sparked growing discontent across the country, with many blaming both federal and state governments for failing to cushion the effects of the economic reforms.
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On Tuesday, the United States Embassy in Nigeria weighed in on the issue, sharing a report that highlighted how some governors were spending billions on the renovation of government houses amid widespread poverty. “Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust,” the embassy stated.
Lukman further criticised Tinubu’s political strategy of welcoming opposition governors into the APC without insisting on structures that promote transparency and service delivery. So far in 2025, the governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom states, Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno, respectively, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling party.
“For instance, when your recruitment policy in your party is blindly informed in a way that all you want is for people to come into your party without giving them the conditions that need to happen for them to be accountable to their people… the objective of many of them is simply to be where they are and not to deliver services,” Lukman said.
He also accused the APC of betraying the trust of its founding members and claimed the party is now worse than the PDP it replaced in 2015. According to him, the ADC and its coalition of opposition members have learned from the failings of the APC and intend to offer a credible alternative in the 2027 general elections. He said the ADC was working to build a platform that will ensure future presidents and elected officials remain accountable to the electorate and operate under the guiding principles of the party’s manifesto.
Lukman’s comments reflect growing frustration within Nigeria’s political landscape as questions continue to mount over the effectiveness of governance at both the federal and state levels.
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
