Tinubu Accused of Backing Governors Who Misuse Public Funds

Salihu Lukman, a leading member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused President Bola Tinubu of supporting state governors who misuse public funds, saying the president continues to reward bad governance instead of enforcing accountability.

Speaking during a television interview on Friday, Lukman responded to Tinubu’s recent appeal urging governors to focus on reducing poverty and improving the lives of citizens. While agreeing with the president’s words, Lukman questioned the seriousness of his actions, pointing out that governors who mismanage resources still receive large financial support from the federal government without consequences.

He argued that some governors act without fear because they have tight control over party structures in their states. This control, according to him, allows them to operate without transparency or regard for public interest. Lukman believes the system encourages misuse of public resources and leaves citizens without the services they deserve.

He also criticised Tinubu’s political strategy, which, he said, focuses more on luring opposition governors to the ruling party than holding leaders accountable to voters. Lukman warned that without proper checks, leaders will continue to treat public offices as personal property.

Reflecting on his time with the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he once served as a national vice chairman, Lukman said the party failed to meet expectations. He claimed APC members had trusted the party to bring change, but that trust was later broken due to weak leadership and poor accountability.

He said the ADC was formed as a platform for real change. According to him, the party is building a structure that would ensure that anyone elected under its banner is fully answerable to both the party and the people. He explained that the goal is to run a government based strictly on promises made during campaigns.

Lukman dismissed suggestions that the ADC lacks national reach. He described such claims as pessimistic and insisted the party is focused on building a strong foundation to challenge the current political order ahead of the 2027 elections.