2015 is fast dawning upon our political horizon, painting the landscape of our collective continuity with so much uncertainty.
There have been calls to unseat the present administration and the ruling party (PDP) due to its aloofness to the needs and yearning of Nigerian. Though I must state categorically that previous attempts all ended in futility. this time around there seem to be a greater resolve to achieve the near impossible and re-write our political destiny.
There are regional success stories; ACN, convincingly and comprehensively dislodged the PDP from the South-West and made daring entrance and strong showings in other regions and CPC having a large “followership” in the North. This is a proof to the doubting “Thomas’s” about the viability of the alliance and that IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING.
Stories from the dailies say that the ACN/CPC/ANPP/APGA ( a faction though) have perfected plans to merge into a political platform to be known as All Progressive Congress (APC),while some parties whose showings have been dismal, in fact their existence are in the pages of paper have being auctioning themselves to this alliance to be acquired so as to have a stake in the Nigeria of tomorrow should they take over power at the centre.
These mergers & acquisition story is fascinating for the average young person because it carries the promise of hope considering the possibility of El-Rufai/BRF/Oshimhole, Shekarau/BRF/Oshiomhole or a Buhari/Tinubu presidency and so many other prospects for Presidency.
Even with this scenerio, a question keeps troubling my mind: shouldnt political parties be an assemblage of people with same political ideology? if yes, what does this mean for the emergence of APC?
Is this merger just a case of my enemy’s enemy is my friend. what happens when the common enemy is defeated? would they turn around and kill one another? If the PDP is successfully dislodged and APC is in charge of the central government, then what next?
What are the foundational ideologies or philosophy of these parties? I think the leaders of these parties especially Buhari and Tinubu should sit down and thoroughly examine the pros and cons of the merger. they should not just be blinded by the possibility of dislodging the PDP (which many Nigerians would love), but must ensure the merger and acquisition is not just a momentary feat.
In Edo state, once the PDP lost its battle to ACN, most of the party bigwigs, chieftain’s and known election riggers found their way to the ACN. Need I mention: Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon (now Chief of Staff), Hon. Samson Osagie (representing Orhumwunde fed constituency), Sen. Uzamere (Edo South senatorial district), the much dreaded Osamede Adun aka BOB IZUA, Just to name a few. Would this not be the same tale should APC take over power in Aso Rock?
What are the safeguards against admitting crooks into the party? Or would it be the story of the hands of Esau but the voice of Jacob? In whose interest is this merger? Is it for the people of Nigeria or a mere cover to massage personal egos?
APC must present a clear-cut and feasible road map to rescue this country. Anything short of it would not be acceptable. Gone is the era of vain political promises that are not achievable.
This country is in a dire need of purposeful leadership, only time would tell which party can provide it.
But as the electoral time ticks and the political curtains raised to herald 2015 general elections, the onus rests on the electorate to choose their leaders bearing in mind that the after effect may be more than just a mere four years. we owe the generations yet unborn a duty of accountability and not squandering their future which is yet to begin on the urge of frivolities and vain pursuits.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Macdonald is a political analyst and social commentator. Follow on twitter @princejagus
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