There is a word describing opposition: challenge. And the essence of having one is to keep sleeping giants and eyeservice men on their toes, writes Valentine Ogunaka.
Some of us who think the emergence of another major political party would right all the wrongs in our country should reexamine the purpose that justifies its nativity. Agreed, we have many problems rooted in corruption and ne’er-do-well leadership; Nigerians must still be cautious and never let desperation for change shrink the fact that we are at crossroads.
New face All Progressives Congress (APC) may be singing a new tune. They can capitalize on the weaknesses and malignity of the dominant Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They could overwhelm folks with trendy speeches and provide the roadmap to an all green and serene Canaan land. One thing remains certain—it will be foolhardy to get coaxed by crowd mentality.
Enough of rhetorics and generalizations: PDP is our problem. Corruption is our problem. Attitude is a problem. Religion is the problem. And lately, APC is the ultimate solution. Of course it has been a terrible syndrome; folks relishing new initiatives without actually weighing up and looking beyond. Considering that Nigerians have been let down for the umpteenth time by loudmouthed politicians, activists and even clergymen who had paraded themselves as oases of hope, some questions run through mind and I have been quite suspended.
Is a new political party the answer to a new Nigeria? Will APC restore hope or swerve to unleash any ulterior motives once elected into power in 2015? If PDP is evil, what is APC? And why is PDP so popular and equally unpopular?
Those are the questions we ought to solve before we entrust and endorse again, to avoid a repeat of the jamboree that beclouded reasoning through 2011 general elections. In order words, to thrive under the wings of phenomenal democracy—to the very effect; we must not surrender cheaply, our vote of confidence due to the enveloping frustrations, economic misery, and unyielding insecurity problems.
There should be more to prove to win over our hearts this time. And in my view if All Progressives Congress (APC) must thrive, it will have to do more than a smear campaign on the purring engine of the PDP long-derailed train. Its sole intent must never be to dwarf the ‘giant’ party or shove it into the closet but to inspire a new political spectrum that will empower, engage and improve the mindset of the people. In fact, it should exercise its true characters, values and ethics in the spirit of democracy, and ensure that they reflect consistently.
On the other hand, the so-called Peoples ‘Undemocratic’ Party should note that at this time, things have changed. The Nigerian youths have embraced a better political philosophy. Therefore, the grandiose belief that it is the ruling party has rapidly waned. If it has achieved nothing but problems in over a decade in power, the plot thickens; Nigerians will no longer hesitate to decide, seize the country back and make direct inputs into what affects their lives.
In a nutshell, it’s logical to believe that the successful merger of four major opposition parties—CPC, APGA, ACN and ANPP—is a sign for good things. I cannot vouch or argue in favour of the upshot. But if truth be told, APC could wave the magic wand. That is, they can be the catalyst for change and not necessarily the change itself.
So the theory goes: “One beastly creature might molest the crowd. Two fighting giants will have impressed them.” In essence, new merger All Progressive Congress (APC) has purportedly got the credentials to be a force to reckon with. Thus, its emergence is undeniably a shake-up in Nigeria’s political sphere. And as a major challenge, it is either way sending a clear message to People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that as they continue to batter the hope of the people, APC is prepared to turn the tide.
Compatriots, this will be a genuine competition. Besides, it is good for our democracy.
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