Former governor of Ogun state, Gbenga Daniel, says one of the intrinsic elements of democracy, multiparty, is still very much in practice in Nigeria.
Daniel noted that the emergence and domination of the political space by the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not corroded the freedom of association.
Ekohotblog reports that Daniel spoke on Monday when he was received by President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa following his defection from the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.
Also at the villa was Oladimeji Bankole, former speaker of the house of representatives who also just defected to the APC.
On widespread notion that Nigeria is on the verge of becoming a one party state due to the influx and exodus of top members of other parties to the APC, Daniel pointed out that the PDP was once in the same position in the country when it was at the helms of affairs and there were no insinuations of one party state
“Definitely any political environment, whether it is multi-party or two-party, there will usually be a majority party and the minority party,” he said.
“So I don’t think that there’s anything new that has happened. A few years ago, when PDP was at the helm of affairs at the centre, I think the last count out of the 36 states, PDP was in charge in more than 24 states at that time. And the country did not become a one-party state”
He said the development is good for the nation and the people as it would afford the citizens the opportunity to make informed and wise decisions. He charged political parties on deepening internal democracy.
“So I think what is going on is quite healthy. The contestation is quite exciting. I think what’s important is that parties should look inwards and organise themselves very well so that at any point in time, the people have an opportunity to make an informed choice.
“And that I think is what is going on”
The former governor called on citizens, especially politicians, to shelve the toga of political partisanship, reiterating the need to support those at the helms of affairs in order for the country to overcome the myriad of challenges confronting.
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