Table of Contents
- Congratulations to Governor Soludo
- Indication of Political Diversity
- Addressing Speculations
- Defections from Opposition
- Importance of Democratic Choices
- Clarification on One-Party State Claims
- Emphasis on Performance
- Historical Context of Political Shifts
- Congratulations and Encouragement
A founding member of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, on Sunday congratulated Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) for his victory and expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu.
Okechukwu stated that Soludo’s triumph in last Saturday’s Anambra governorship election signifies that Nigeria is not moving towards a one-party state.
He mentioned that many had speculated that the APC, along with President Tinubu, would manipulate the gubernatorial election.
It is worth noting that following the recent mass defection of Nigerian politicians from opposition parties to the APC, some factions of the opposition accused the ruling party of jeopardizing Nigeria's democracy by pushing it towards a one-party state, which poses a significant threat to the nation's democratic processes.
In response to the results of Saturday’s Anambra governorship election during a discussion with journalists in Abuja, Okechukwu asserted that Soludo's victory has disproven the claims made by certain opposition figures and even some members of the APC that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state under the current APC-led government.
The former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) attributed the defections to the APC to the PDP’s missteps in violating the rotation/zoning convention and the APC’s increasing support due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's notable achievements in less than three years of his administration.
Okechukwu recalled that President Tinubu is aligned with progressive leaders who believe that a single party is unsuitable for democracy anywhere, and that citizens have the right to choose their affiliations.
When reminded that some individuals are already labeling Nigeria as a de facto one-party state, Okechukwu remarked: “Those claiming that Nigeria has become a de facto one-party state are demonstrating a lack of understanding of our historical alliances, the most recent being in 2004 when similar concerns were raised.
“Did we then foresee the emergence of Buhari to challenge President Obasanjo and his third-term agenda? Or did we anticipate the rise of Peter Obi’s Obedient Movement in the 2023 presidential election? While there is no legitimate concern for a one-party state, what we truly need is performance, which Soludo has exemplified.”
“If the APC intended to restrict Nigeria to a one-party state, it could have utilized its substantial powers to sideline Professor CC Soludo. The crucial question is, why did the ruling APC lose the gubernatorial election?”
“As President Tinubu frequently states, Nigeria is not a one-party state; it is governed by one party, which makes a difference. That is why all progressives, including the APGA, are collaborating with the APC, which won the recent Anambra governorship election by a large margin.”
Furthermore, Okechukwu reiterated that even before the APC came into power, Nigerian politicians had been defecting from opposition parties to the ruling party.
“My friends, please recall that while the PDP was in power, some of their leaders boasted that they would remain in power for 60 years. It took the determination of President Tinubu and the late former President Muhammadu Buhari to unite the opposition and remove them from power after they nearly devastated the country through mismanagement and corruption.
“Now that the APC, under President Tinubu, is striving to restore the country, the same individuals whose political parties are in chaos want to mislead Nigerians into believing that we in the APC are advocating for a one-party state. The victory of Soludo has disproven their claims,” he stated.
Okechukwu, while congratulating the Anambra State Governor on his re-election, urged him to be gracious in victory and to include everyone in the state, including his opponents from the recent gubernatorial election.
He wished Soludo success and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for providing a level playing field, which is a hallmark of liberal democracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Osita Okechukwu say about Governor Soludo's victory?
Okechukwu congratulated Governor Soludo on his victory and emphasized that it indicates Nigeria is not moving towards a one-party state.
What concerns were raised about the APC's influence?
Some opposition figures accused the APC of risking Nigeria’s democracy and pushing the country towards a one-party state, but Okechukwu countered these claims by highlighting Soludo's victory.
How did Okechukwu respond to claims of a one-party state?
Okechukwu stated that those labeling Nigeria as a de facto one-party state are misinformed and stressed the importance of political performance over concerns of party dominance.
