A foundation member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has blamed the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Nigeria’s potential slide toward a one-party state, dismissing claims that the ruling APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are responsible.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Okechukwu argued that the PDP’s 16 years in power (1999-2015) contributed to a culture of impunity and political manipulation, which has had lasting effects on the country’s democracy.
Okechukwu criticized the PDP for fostering a “stomach infrastructure syndrome” that he believes led to the downfall of Nigeria’s multiparty system.
He cited the APC’s struggle in its early years, including when the defunct Action Congress (AC) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) persisted with only one governor each despite the PDP’s efforts to entice them.
Okechukwu contended that the PDP’s internal culture of impunity ultimately destabilized opposition politics in Nigeria.
Okechukwu also criticized the PDP for its misguided belief that Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy in the 2023 presidential election would awaken the northern electorate, suggesting it was a miscalculation with serious consequences.
Addressing concerns about economic hardship under the APC, Okechukwu shifted blame to the PDP, asserting that the opposition party’s actions led to the current situation.
He expressed optimism, however, citing efforts with organizations like the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reduce fuel prices.
“Am in league with IPMAN, TUC and host of others for reduction of fuel pump price, luckily it is already happening as NNPC has started the reduction process.
“Secondly, I held a meeting with our national chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, where he assured me that the Livestock Ministry will find ranch solution to herders/farmers crisis which will allow farmers to access their farms.
“And also that Present Tinubu is in deep negotiations with investors in electricity chain, Eastern Corridor Standard Guage Railways, Deep Seaports etc.
“It is my candid opinion that with the new mandate Tinubu gave the development commissions – South East, South West, South-South, North West, North Central and North East – to shop for foreign investors the economic hardship will be alleviated.” Okechukwu finally submitted.
