The PDP’s Make Or Mar Convention

RAYMOND OISE-OGHAEDE

With time ticking away for the Peoples Democratic Party National Convention slated for Saturday 9 December, 2017, a lot of underground political maneuvering is understandably going on amongst the different power blocs and caucuses within and outside the party.

The aim is to have substantial hold (if not total control) of its machineries at the highest level through the various executive positions.  This politicking is very normal and important because it is believed that the group that holds the soul of the party will be at an advantage over others in taking key decisions that affect its members. Therefore, each caucus wants to be well placed in the scheme of things and this can only be achieved by winning the support of majority of the delegates who will vote at the convention. Interestingly, it means that at the end of the day, some permutations will work out while, some others will not; some will win and others will lose. Thus, the outcome of the exercise will go a long way in determining its fate as the major opposition party in the country.

It is on this note, that I am constrained to come up with this review to advice its members on the need to get it right because of the importance of having a virile opposition in the nation`s political calculations.

Consequent upon the aforementioned, it is very necessary for the interim leadership of the party to handle all issues relating to the convention with intelligence and tact. They should ensure that all things are put in place to guarantee a level playing field for all the blocs and aspirants. All qualified and interested persons should be allowed to test their popularity and acceptance on the field. No person(s) should be dubiously schemed out of the contest in other to clear the coast for some preferred or anointed candidate(s). Though, tactical political approaches could lead to some of the aspirants stepping down for others; they should not be compelled to do so because, it would amount to forcing bitter pills down their throats. The list of the delegates should be made available to all participants to enable them confirm that there are no hidden agenda. Also, the open-secret balloting system should be adopted with counting and announcement of the results done openly and immediately to give credence to transparency of the exercise.

In addition and proactively, a Fence Mending and Reconciliatory Committee should be constituted to swing into action immediately after the convention to bring all the caucuses together to work as one family. The earlier all the people are made to see themselves as WINNERS, the better for the party. This would also ensure that the wheel of progress of the party is not clogged by those that are already disgruntled and could ultimately turn every other person to LOSERS in the long run. Thus, the way and manner the leaders handle and manage the aftermath of the convention would determine the party’s chances in the country’s political terrain. So, it is very crucial for the party to get it right and remain a formidable opposition to the ruling party.

At this juncture, it is instructive to state that the existence of a virile and responsible opposition is an integral part of democratic system of governance. A closer look at every successful democracy across the world today, shows the presence of strong oppositions. This is so because; they act as checks to the activities of the government in power by their constructive contributions and criticisms.  In addition, they keep those at the corridors of power on their toes in the discharge of their responsibilities as they are seen as fall-back and standby alternative for the electorates. Therefore, it is obvious that a strong opposition is very key to bringing out the best from the government in power.

Be that as it may and, as a patriotic citizen, I will not wish anything less for my country and, I am sure that all well meaning people and true friends of the nation will align with my position. Without a strong opposition in place, the possibilities of the ruling party taking the electorates for granted will be very high. It is on record that before the formation of the APC, the strongest opposition on ground could best be described as regional party. This situation made the then ruling party (PDP) to take things for granted and even boasted that it will rule the country for sixty (60) unbroken years.  It was not until some key members defected to the APC that reality began to dawn on the leadership and, before they knew what hit them; the electorates have voted in the government of change. Therefore, there is need for the ruling party to always feel watched and sit-up to its responsibilities to avoid slip-ups. It is only a political jobber that will sit down at the comfort of his home/office to write off the prospects of a strong opposition party. From the foregoing, you will agree with me that this convention is a make or mar exercise for the PDP.

As a result, my advice to all the power blocks or caucuses is for them to have it at the back of their minds that its either they get their expectations right or not. All those jostling for the chairmanship position are tested and seasoned politicians. There is no single one of them that will not deliver if given the necessary impetus. It is therefore, imperative to allow all that have shown interest to contest and put their popularities to test. The issue of internal micro-democracy where some people are denied the right to contest should not even be contemplated. Though, tactical political approaches could lead to some of the aspirants stepping down for one another; they should not be compelled to do so because that would amount to forcing bitter pills down their throats. They should be given the chance to satisfy their aspirations and let the delegates decide. What, the leadership or Reconciliatory Committee should be doing right now is strategizing on how to bring all candidates and their blocs/caucuses together to rally round the eventual winners and set the stage rolling for serious business.

This is the SECRET GOLDEN KEY TO SUCCESS.

All other alternatives/options are counterfeits. At this point, you will agree with me that the names, qualifications, gender and tribe of the contestants are secondary factors and mere nomenclatures.

Finally, it is important to clearly emphasize at this juncture that `MAKE OR MAR` should not be misconstrued as `DO OR DIE`. Make or mar is getting it right or wrong. If you get it right, it will translate to gains for the party and democracy. Otherwise, you will be pushing the party towards political extinction. Therefore, the delegates should also conduct themselves responsibly and orderly and vote for their conscience and the good of the party.

This is the best opportunity to put your house in order and make it attractive to the masses once again.

The time to MAKE IT is now. Do not MAR IT.

Raymond Oise-Oghaede is a Public Policy Analyst and commentator. He writes from Surulere, Lagos. He can be reached on 08023116867, 08099405562.