The State Congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) nationwide may have come and gone except States where there are skirmishes. It may have recorded success in some states of the Federation while also exposing how unprepared the APC especially in Abia State is in whisking power away from the ruling People’s Democratic Party PDP whom many accuse of mismanaging the resource of the State for years.
Though I am not a politician, and do not belong to any political party, but the truth remains that no matter one’s class in the society especially in the Nigerian context, overtly or covertly one must be tempted to discuss politics, the way it is run, how dirty the players run it as well as how the political parties canvass for votes as well as show how co-ordinated they are in winning elections.
In as much as politics is about interest, it is also of immense importance that the players consider the interest of those that voted them to prominence. A situation whereby the players, continuously do things with impunity, should be relegated to the background.
I dare say with every amount of sincerity, that Abia State is yet to have a formidable opposition party that will whisk power from the PDP. My submission ensued from the State Congress organised by the APC where two factions: one led by High Chief Ikechi Emenike and that Donatus Nwankpa led factions held their congresses at different venues.
While little or nothing is heard about the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the State which has also been engulfed by issues bothering on factions, internal wranglings among others, one would expect that the APC, should present itself as a force to reckon with and match PDP accused of squandering and mismanaging the economy of the state for more than 20 years.
Despite having the creme de la creme in their fold, which ordinarily should be a driving force and galvanizing factor, the Abia APC is still structured in factionalism, which is why spectators in the game have given their verdict that the APC in Abia is not the dream political party that can give Abia and her citizenry the needed democratic dividends that has eroded them for years.
Aside the fact that individuals that won seats on the platform of the party are representing very well, there is need for the party to relegate factionalism to the background and pursue one goal which will favour all party members as well as make them a force to reckon with in 2023.
A popular saying has it that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Abia APC, should allow this be the guiding principle. Looking at the calibre of people in the party, the party bigwigs should wholistically ponder over the meaning of the above saying and realise that battle for supremacy among themselves, will only allow the ruling PDP in the State feel relaxed.
The various cajoling, negative reports, mockery about how divided the party is, should force the APC and it’s leaders to pause and ponder, sheath their various swords, and agree to work for the benefit of Abians as one party cannot continue to hold sway in the State whereas there are other political parties in existence.
Same advice goes to the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), there is every need for them to tow the path of unionism. As 2023 general elections draw nearer, there is every need for all the political parties in disarray in the State to come together, get their houses in order, and stop accusing the PDP of mismanaging the State only on paper without real action.
Abia State needs to grow beyond it’s present condition, and this can only be achieved if the State can have a viable opposition party that can get it’s house together for the purpose of winning election. Abians are not blind, they actually know that these political parties playing second fiddle are actually in disarray and the time to register their presence in the politics of Abia State is now.
God bless Abia State.
(Izuchukwu Nwokoma, Journalist and a Public Affairs Analyst).
Only if they would hear!