By Salihu Adaviruku
Election season in Nigeria is often marked by a complete focus of attention and development of narratives on the activities of political characters, with their political parties treated as an inconsequential appendage. While this may be attributed to a number of reasons, it is largely a manifestation of the lack of understanding or acknowledgement of the influence of political parties on candidates and government.
Political parties perform a crucial role as they, amongst many other duties, develop the guiding document which serves as the premise upon which candidates build their policies and government direction, should they secure victory. It is therefore of utmost importance that the leadership of political parties be competent, for proper handling of party affairs; dynamic to allow for innovative ideas and introduction of positive reforms; and fair to all as an exemplary practice of democracy to both direct members of the party and citizens of the country.
It is against this background that the ambitions of Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole and Mai Mala Buni as the Chairman and National Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, respectively, must be viewed as a development of great importance and an opportunity to consolidate on the gains of the party and introduce reforms which would have a progressive ripple effect on the leadership of the country.
To start with the basic role of a political party, which is the presentation of candidates and securing of election victory, Adams Oshiomhole has a demonstrated ability to earn votes across divide and retain same through excellent leadership and management of human and other resources. His entry into Edo state politics at the time when all the machineries of the state, to the detriment of the people, were hijacked by the PDP saw him unite the entire people of Edo state and they, convinced that he represents desired change, stood with him as he handed a resounding defeat to the PDP, both at the polls and in court. He not only repeated this feat with a better margin, but also successfully installed a successor who is presently continuing his developmental works in the state.
Furthermore, Oshimhole’s years as the leader of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) gave him profound insight into the true yearnings of the people and equipped him with deft negotiation skill with which he manoeuvred obstacles and reached agreements profitable to all. No surprise he remains, till date, Nigeria’s most effective labour leader. All of these, especially his ability to unite people under a single banner, irrespective of differences, for the actualization of a common goal, make him the ideal leader the All Progressives Congress need at the moment – especially when the fragile state of certain relationships in the party is considered.
His endorsement by the President and other party leaders across the six geo-political zones of the country is an illustration of this fact. “He is one of us, that is why we have to come and identify with him here” said Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state when asked of his support for Adams Oshiomhole, and his counterpart from Kano state, Governor Umar Ganduje, echoed same sentiment before declaring that “all the votes from Kano State will go to the former governor of Edo State”.
The same can be said of Mai Mala Buni whose dedication to the party, over the years, has earned him plaudits from President Muhammadu Buhari. He has come to represent a stabilising factor within the party, ensuring that relationships, though strained as a result of competing interests, are kept for the progress and continued good of the party. His reputation as a great organizer and manager of men is common knowledge amongst those familiar with inside workings of the party.
A testament of his exemplary service as National Secretary of the party is the endorsement of his continuation by all Governors, Ministers and stakeholders from the North-East and other geo-political zones of the country. Many have identified his diplomacy and tact in handling party issues, especially in the face of conflict arising from differing interests, as one of the key reasons the party remains sturdy. This makes it glaring that with him as National Secretary and Adams Oshiomhole as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, the party and its members are guaranteed an inclusive and harmonious future.
Adams Oshiomhole and Mai Mala Buni are presenting the All Progressives Congress with a chance to reinvent itself, repair fractured relationships and expand voters base through key alliances made possible by effective persuasion and articulation of people-friendly policies. This is a chance the party cannot afford to lose; and this is why on the 23rd of June, at the National Convention, delegates must ensure they file behind Adams Oshiomhole and Mai Mala Buni for the good of the party.
Salihu, an APC member, writes from Okehi in Kogi state.
