By: Bayero Ade
A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has attributed Nigeria’s drift toward a one-party state to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rejecting claims that the ruling APC or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are responsible.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Okechukwu argued that the PDP’s 16 years in power, from 1999 to 2015, entrenched a culture of impunity and political manipulation that continues to affect Nigeria’s democracy.
He specifically criticized the PDP for promoting a “stomach infrastructure syndrome,” which he believes eroded the foundation of a viable multiparty system in the country.
Okechukwu noted that during the APC’s formative years, the defunct Action Congress (AC) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) managed to survive despite being reduced to controlling just one state each, as the PDP attempted to co-opt them into its fold.
He accused the PDP of undermining opposition politics through internal impunity, which ultimately weakened the country’s democratic structure.
Okechukwu also took aim at the PDP’s decision to field Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He described the move as a miscalculation, arguing that the party’s hope of galvanizing northern voters behind Atiku was unrealistic and contributed to its poor electoral performance.
While acknowledging the economic challenges facing Nigerians under the APC administration, Okechukwu deflected blame onto the PDP, suggesting that its past policies were responsible for the current hardships.
Despite this, he expressed optimism about the APC’s efforts to alleviate economic difficulties. He highlighted ongoing engagements with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) aimed at reducing fuel prices.
“I am in league with IPMAN, TUC, and others for the reduction of fuel pump prices. Luckily, it is already happening as NNPC has started the process,” Okechukwu stated.
He also praised President Tinubu’s initiatives, including plans to resolve the herders-farmers crisis through a livestock ministry and attracting investments in critical infrastructure such as electricity, railways, and seaports.
“The President has given new mandates to the regional development commissions—South East, South West, South-South, North West, North Central, and North East—to engage foreign investors, which will help alleviate economic hardship,” Okechukwu added.
The APC stalwart concluded by expressing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, asserting that ongoing reforms and investments will ease Nigeria’s economic challenges over time.
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