PDP to Blame for Nigeria’s Drift Toward One-Party State – APC Chieftain
Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of contributing to Nigeria’s potential shift towards a one-party state, rejecting claims that the ruling APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are responsible.
In a statement released on Sunday, Okechukwu pointed to the PDP’s 16-year rule (1999-2015) as a period that cultivated a culture of impunity and political manipulation, which he believes continues to affect the nation’s democracy.
He criticized the PDP for fostering what he called a “stomach infrastructure syndrome,” which he argued led to the weakening of Nigeria’s multiparty system. Okechukwu also highlighted the struggles the APC faced in its early years, citing the defunct Action Congress (AC) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which each held only one governorship seat despite the PDP’s attempts to lure them.
Okechukwu further argued that the PDP’s internal culture of impunity destabilized opposition politics in the country.
He also took aim at the PDP for miscalculating the impact of Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy in the 2023 presidential election, believing it would mobilize the northern electorate but ultimately leading to negative consequences.
Regarding economic challenges under the APC, Okechukwu shifted responsibility to the PDP, claiming the party’s actions were the root cause of the current difficulties.
Despite this, Okechukwu expressed optimism, citing ongoing efforts with groups like the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reduce fuel prices.
“I am working with IPMAN, TUC, and other groups to reduce fuel pump prices, and fortunately, the NNPC has already started the process of price cuts,” he said.
Okechukwu also revealed that he had met with the APC’s national chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje, who assured him that the Livestock Ministry would work on solutions for the herders/farmers crisis, helping farmers access their lands. He added that President Tinubu is engaged in talks with investors in sectors such as electricity, railways, and deep seaports.
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