It is gratifying that after several false alarms, the voluntarily merging parties have been recognized by the electoral umpire (INEC) as All Progressives Party (APC).  Its registration has been hailed by the media as a triumph for the growth of democracy.  Truly, democracy can blossom when opportunity exists for the citizens to make a choice between parties during elections.

As it is recognized, democracy would flourish under a multi-party system – a system that recognizes the existence of more than one political.  Political parties would be given the chances to propose and enunciate their programmes on how to provide prosperity through reduction of poverty.  Voters are given the opportunity to analyse the various proposals and the means of achieving their set goals under the prevailing circumstances.

Nigeria is not new to political parties and the practice of party politics.  It is often quoted that “Lagos in 1930s and 1940s enjoyed robust politics under the colonial era.  The Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) of Herbert Macaulay and the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYC) of Dr Vaughan, H. O. Davies and Dr Azikiwe.  It is fair to say that politics of these halogen days were based on the ideology or principle – what is good for Lagos and later, Nigeria.

The pre-independence era (1951-60) was a bit tough but under a manageable political terrain.  The leading political parties were the Northern Peoples‘ Congress (NPC) led by Sir Ahmadu Bello, the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons (NCNC), led by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and the Action Group (AG), led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.  During the colonial period, opposition to the ruling party in the North was mute, in the East; the NCNC under Dr Azikiwe (Zik) was over-whelmingly predominant.

It was only in the Western Region (including Lagos) where Chief Awolowo (AG) faced real political fire-works from the rival NCNC.  In fact, political contest was so keen that the Action Group (led by Chief Awolowo) lost in the 1954 federal elections to NCNC, under Dr Azikiwe.  As a matter of historical record, the 1954 victory was the only one in favour of NCNC in the old Western Region.

In fairness, the NCNC took its subsequent defeat in Western Region in 1959 with grace and remained pacific until in later years (early 1960s) when it allied with the remnants of Action Group (after Awo‘s imprisonment) to unleash a reign of terror on the otherwise peaceful people of Western Region.  The terrible operation, “wet e” in the Western Region perpetuated by the combined opposition parties (AG and NCNC) against the government of Chief S. L. Akintola was a sad reminder of the potential danger to political stability by a vicious opposition.

It is sad that the military incursions into political life of the country did virtually destroy the political parties and the multi-party system as existed and developed through those past agonizing decades.  The Babangida‘s vision of only two political parties (one-to-the left and one-to-the right) succeeded initially until snuffed out by the crude view of dictator, Abacha with the five political parties (ridiculed by Bola Ige as five fingers of a leprous hand).  The common impression is that those old military politicians (even if in civilian togas) would always find democracy a strange word.

It is instructive to note that the present 1999 Constitution recognizes the concept of democracy and the multi-party system with (INEC) given the power to register and de-register political parties.  However, the visible panorama is that of a very big party, the Peoples‘ Democratic Party (PDP) which has continued to win every presidential contest (1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011) and whose members have continued to dominate both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Many analysts believe that the PDP by supplying the President and with heavy numerical domination of the Senate and the House of Representatives have a unique opportunity to make Nigeria a great nation, if it so wishes.  Unfortunately, the party with dogmatic adherence to “winner takes all” attitude has been able to distribute all juicy offices of the state to its members irrespective of ability and competence.  Through such action, the party has sacrificed efficiency in public life on the altar of political expediency.  It looks as if mediocrity with its slogan – do as little as much as possible – is accepted as a party philosophy.

As it is being noted, the political atmosphere has been dominated for a long time by a strong party (ruling with impunity) and a few scattered opposition parties, weak and ineffective.  Now, what should Nigeria expect from the new APC (the party is new but the leaders are familiar faces)?  Some Nigerians may not be expecting a violent or vicious opposition like UPGA terrorists of the 1960s; they may pray for a constructive party that is dedicated to the solution of crucial problems of the country.  This could be done either, through the cooperation with the existing ruling party or by preparing the minds of the people for a peaceful change of administration through sensible politics, common-sense economics and sound administration.  The goal is prosperity for all.

 

Alade Odunewu

Many tributes which followed the announcement of the death of that great journalist, Alhaji Alade Odunewu bear testimony to the power of the pen and the respect which responsible journalists could earn in their community.

“Alla-De” was a column full of wits, humour and satires (disguised as a serious analysis).  Like `Sad Sam`, the writer was able to, howbeit, cleverly disguise his political inclinations in the Daily Times of the turbulent 1960s.

When Alade Odunewu was the Editor of Daily Times, I was his Leader Writer, Head of Features and later, Commercial Editor.  His support at every stage was fantastic.  Many of us under him doubled whether he had any personal opinion on the rumblings in the Daily Times at the period except that he was absolutely loyal to Alhaji Babatunde Jose (Chairman).  To “Alla-De”, loyalty to a boss is the greatest virtue. May His gracious soul rest in peace.

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Read this story in the Vanguard Newspapers