Salihu Lukman: Buhari’s popularity once made politicians win elections — that era is over

Salihu Lukman, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says the era when politicians rode to victory solely on the back of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s popularity is over.

Buhari died on Sunday in a clinic in London, following a prolonged illness. He was buried in the garden of his residence in Daura, Katsina state, on Tuesday.

Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television, Lukman said Buhari’s death signifies the end of politics driven by personal endorsements rather than public engagement.

“Even before the late President Buhari died, the vacuum had already been created,” he said.

“It was quite doubtful, even before his passing, that he could influence electoral victory the way he used to.”

Lukman, a former national vice-chairman (north-west) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said many politicians from the north relied heavily on Buhari’s endorsement rather than connecting with citizens.

“I know, being from the north, that many politicians looked forward to Buhari raising their hands,” he said.

“That gesture translated almost directly into victory in many places. And that, in a way, made politicians lazy.”

The ADC chieftain said the current political climate demands humility, teamwork, and a new model of engagement from aspirants and political leaders — particularly those in the opposition.

“We don’t have anybody with that kind of intimidating profile anymore,” he said.

“What that means is that all leaders of the coalition need to be humble and acknowledge their dependence on one another. That’s how to build the teamwork we need to succeed.

“It’s not only about defeating APC or President Bola Tinubu.

“It’s about building a new political platform that genuinely connects with citizens and offers a credible alternative.”

Speaking earlier on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Lukman noted that many politicians failed to invest in real relationships with voters during Buhari’s time.

“They concentrated more on being in Buhari’s good books, rather than building trust and negotiating with citizens,” he said.

“Now that Buhari is no longer in the picture, politicians must listen more, engage better, and fulfil their campaign promises.”

He warned that winning elections in the current era will demand sincerity and humility, not entitlement or reliance on elite endorsements.

“Except they want to rig, politicians must relate to citizens with a higher level of humility instead of the current arrogance,” he said.

Lukman described the late Buhari as one of the most popular politicians in northern Nigeria, saying his influence was instrumental in the 2013–2014 APC merger.

“In contemporary Nigerian politics, Buhari stood out,” he said.

“His popularity helped make the APC a reality. But that era is gone. Politicians must now do the hard work.”