‘Buhari’s death marks end of automatic electoral wins, politicians must now embrace humility’

Salihu Lukman, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition, has said the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari signals the close of an era in which political endorsements could effortlessly deliver electoral victory.

Lukman, who previously served as the National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the APC, made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s morning show on Wednesday. He emphasized the need for unity within the ADC Coalition, calling on its leaders to foster a strong team spirit and build a formidable political force capable of not only unseating the APC but also addressing the nation’s ongoing challenges.

“What we must learn, most especially in the Coalition is that we don’t have somebody with the kind of intimidating profile like that of late late Buhari and what that means is that all the leaders of coalition needs to be humble and acknowledge that they need one another and in the context of that, develop a strong team work. I think that is the challenge we are all facing. Our leaders must have a kind of team spirit.

“It is not about succeeding to defeat APC and Tinubu but succeeeding to produce a new, fresh political template that will begin to meet the expectations of Nigerians. That is what I have been emphasizing on. We must try to build a strong political party,” Lukman said.

According to him, politicians now face a different reality—one that requires genuine connections with the electorate rather than reliance on influential endorsements. He stressed that going forward, elected leaders must demonstrate humility, deliver on campaign promises, and actively engage with citizens.

Speaking earlier on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” programme, Lukman pointed out that even before Buhari’s death, his political influence had waned, making it uncertain whether his endorsement could still swing elections.

“I am aware, being somebody from the North, I know that many politicians look forward to him raising their hands and endorsing them. That translates almost into victory in many places in the North. And that, in a way, made politicians to be lazy.

“Now we don’t have any figure like that, which is why today I am one of those in the Coalition who keeps raising the point that leaders of the Coalition must remember, we don’t have somebody like late President Buhari anymore, who when he raises your hand, it translates into victory.

“What that means is that politicians must be humble and begin to engage citizens with more listening ears and disposition when they promise and win election to begin to meet those expectations of citizens.

“And we have to work hard. The challenge of having somebody like late President Buhari now absent in Nigerian politics is that politicians must realize, especially those who want to contest election, if they are to win election, except if they want to rig, they must be humble and relate to citizens with higher level of humility rather than the current arrogance,” he said.

Reflecting on Buhari’s political legacy, Lukman described the late president as a towering figure in modern Nigerian politics.

“In contemporary Nigeria, I wouldn’t say in all of our history, he stands out as one of those politicians who command a lot of popularity. And his popularity, especially in the northern part of the country, cannot be in any way doubted. And to a large extent, his popularity made it possible for the APC merger of 2013-2014 to be consummated,” he said.