Alternative choice(s) is one of the beauties of democracy. This is the spirit behind party politics. In advance democracies, like US for instance, you have two major political parties that differ sharply in their philosophies and ideals.
This gives the people alternative choices.
In the case of Nigeria it is difficult to make this distinction because most often than not political parties are not formed on the basis of ideology. Only the Peoples’ Democratic Party generally enjoyed the privilege of a clear political ideology which can be said to lean towards the centre-right. Its main rival All Progressives Congress could not be said to lean towards the centre-left, thus providing an alternative platform.
This is because its founding members and to some extent founding philosophy was a mixed breed. About 50% of its founding members favor a combination of the social democratic philosophy of Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as well as the social classless view of Late Aminu Kano. The other half however were aggrieved former PDP members who co-found the party with all the trappings of PDP their still in their pockets. This leaves APC with equivocal political philosophy which has made decision makings spontaneous at best, and governance most often than not reactive.
Questions arise with respect to most policies of the APC led government. Even the national budget which was passed after over six months into the year is still being amended indicating some degree of spontaneity in its packaging. All these are signs of lack of cohesion and clear visions.
In Akwa Ibom, like in most Southern states, APC is just a group of aggrieved former PDP members. For instance, the supposed foundation father of APC in the state, Sen Udoedehe was a Minister under PDP government who left the party out of grievances. His political ideals have not changed. The 2015 governorship flag bearer, Obong Umana was SSG under PDP and a strong PDP chieftain who left for APC out of grievances.
His political beliefs and aspirations which attracted him to PDP have not changed. Erstwhile PDP State Chairman Arc Otu Ita Toyo, the encyclopedia of PDP ideals left for APC out of grievances. Unlike him, this human encyclopedia hasn't been able to articulate in clear terms the ideals of his new party. Not because he has lost steam but because there is no clear ideals to articulate.
No wonder his current writings are more of criticism of his former party laced with advice than highlights of the philosophy of his new party. Obong Nsima Ekere, NDDC MD who is said to be nursing governorship ambition was Deputy Governor and Ag Governor under PDP and chieftain of PDP who headed the G22 but left for APC due to grievances. It's doubtful whether this erstwhile PDP mania would find it easy to win election under any other umbrella given the dose of PDP still in his blood.
The list is endless - Chief Ita Awak former Commissioner under PDP, the revered Don Etiebet former Minister of Petroleum and founding member of PDP, the respected Chief Edet Mkpubre, former Chairman PDP South South etc etc non of these men can say in clear terms what attracted them to APC; rather what they would tell you is what pushed them out of PDP. No wonder Obong Victor Attah hung his boots.
The Akwa Ibom Chapter of APC could have been better named "Aggrieved People's Congress (APC)". But for the respect this writer has for the aggrieved gentlemen. Without doubt Akwa Ibom APC is 100% photo copy of PDP.
In fact if you have been opportune to chat with any of these gentlemen, all you hear is their points of disagreement and grievances with PDP ranging from PDP's perceived impunity and then Gov Akpabio's supposed sins, nothing more. But all that would now be history, given, the rebranding, reconciliation and reorganization process currently in place led by the amiable party leader Alh Ahmed Makarfi.
At the grassroots APC is a distant drum. It only has strong presence on social media notably Face Book but little or no presence where the real voters live. Most Ward excos are ragtags while some wards are completely free of APC.
The case of Urueoffong/Oruko State Constituency that APC won in 2015, was classical case of PDP members that voted against an unbearable individual. It was a case of one chance without a repeat-possibility. In fact up to the point the results were announced the candidate himself was still a PDP member.
PDP like ANC in South Africa is more of a mass movement than a political party. It is everywhere. It's hold on the grassroots is unrelenting. In Kano recently when Former President Jonathan went for condolence visit, the movement erupted into re-drive and it took security services several hours to control grassroots supporters that came out to express regret about the events of 2015. PDP may have made mistakes in 2015 and coupled with Alh Ali Sheriff's saga of the last several months which give Nigerians cause for concern. But on hindsight they count it all joy like The Bible says. Sad as those issues may have been, they have become 2 powerful elixirs as well as learning points that have re-strengthen the party.
This is more so in Akwa Ibom where PDP remains a religion. It is therefore illogical to imagine that Akwa Ibom APC can provide alternative platform to PDP in 2019 or at any other time in the nearest future. This is impossible because a photo copy, no matter how bright, is always one step behind the original copy.
James Abang Writes From Atte-Okiuso Village, C/O Oyubia PA, Urueoffong/Oruko LGA.
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