Judul : The End of Nigeria's One-Party Rule Threatens Democracy - Turaki
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The End of Nigeria's One-Party Rule Threatens Democracy - Turaki
Wishing you success in your new role as party chairman and for accepting this interview, which is your first since being elected as the national chairman of the PDP. However, it should be noted that you took on this position during one of the most challenging periods in the PDP's history, and many are asking: why did you choose to take on this responsibility at such a critical time?
Certainly, it's crucial to recognize from the outset that life revolves around overcoming obstacles. Politics isn't about the lack of crisis or disagreement. It involves uniting individuals with varying viewpoints, where their interests may often be in direct opposition. The core purpose is to balance these interests and ensure everyone feels included, fostering a feeling of community.
That is the core of politics. There isn't a specific period that is more chaotic in the life of a political party than any other. For us in the PDP, we have experienced more intense times than we are facing now.
We have encountered all the positive aspects that can occur to a political party, just as we have faced the negative and difficult times. We were the first party to govern continuously for 16 straight years in Nigeria's political history, winning four consecutive elections and facilitating a transition from civilian rule to civilian rule. We were also the first ruling party to accept defeat at the hands of an opposition party. We have experienced various leadership issues, from the Ali Modu Sheriff incident to other similar cases, but the PDP managed to overcome these challenges.
This time will remain unchanged. We possess an inherent method for resolving conflicts, and this is where my personal experience as a certified arbitrator, mediator, and conciliator will be applied.
What we need to accomplish is to create solid connections of friendship at every level, and that is our plan from the very beginning. Difficulties add excitement to the work. If someone enters office and there is nothing to do, it's preferable to remain at home. For us in the PDP, this is not unfamiliar.
It is a task that is achievable. I am confident in my ability to accomplish it. I believe my expertise can assist in addressing the issues confronting the PDP right now, which is why I stepped forward and took on this responsibility during this crucial period.
You appear hopeful despite the current situation. However, the absence of INEC at the convention yesterday caused worries, and the chairman of the convention planning committee, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, withdrew at the last moment because of this matter. Do you believe this casts uncertainty on the legitimacy of the process that led to your selection?
Apologies, let me clarify that misunderstanding. The chairman of the national convention planning committee did not resign. He did not withdraw. He was present throughout, from start to finish, and led the convention.
It is crucial for individuals to recognize that the responsibility of PDP or any political party during a convention or any event that necessitates legal notification is solely to inform INEC. Upon providing the notice and receiving confirmation within the legally mandated period, we have met our duty as outlined in the Electoral Act. INEC is not obligated to participate.
If they arrive, that's fine; they will perform their legal duties. If they don't, it won't prevent us from moving forward. I can confirm that INEC received legal notice; more than sufficient notice was provided.
They attended our 100th NEC meeting, during which decisions were made to hold the convention and establish the zoning committee and the national convention organizing committee. They were also there when the dates, 15 and 16 November, were approved.
Furthermore, if you review the minutes from our 101st NEC meeting, they were present too. It was in their presence that the zoning committee presented its report, which was approved without opposition. Therefore, anyone asserting that INEC was not properly informed is off the mark.
We have completed our responsibility entirely. However, we lack the authority to compel them to arrive.
It was noted that some delegates from specific states were absent. In your home state, Kebbi, there were accounts that the state executive opposed your nomination. Doesn't this suggest that you lack support locally? Furthermore, how do you intend to bring together state chapters that did not align with you?
As of the latest count, we had complete representation from 32 states among the 36, plus the FCT. Regarding the FCT, for example, the chairman chose to abstain for reasons that were clear, but the vice-chairman headed a group. Even in Kebbi, I am part of the delegation. Retired General Ishaya Bamaiyi is also a delegate, and he was present. Former minister Alhaji Buhari Bala was there as well. The deputy national publicity secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, was also present, along with numerous other official delegates.
We need to recognize, in politics as in life, that it's impossible to be loved by everyone, even within one's own family. Some individuals will appreciate you, while others might not. The key is genuine acceptance, which we clearly experienced yesterday.
Not every absence indicates disagreement. For instance, Ben Ezra Dikki, a member of the Board of Trustees from Kebbi, was not present because he was mourning. Can anyone claim he was away due to dislike for me? No, he had valid personal circumstances.
Even within a legal setting, the key factor is significant adherence. Of the 36 states, 32 were completely represented, and from the other four plus the FCT, a considerable number still participated. Therefore, no one can convincingly argue that there was broad dissatisfaction with the process or with me personally.
I don't anticipate that everyone will like me. It is my responsibility to connect with both those who have supported me and those who haven't, reintegrate them, and offer them a feeling of inclusion.
In any case, there is a garment wrapped around your neck. Some think the officials took you in, and that you could end up as their pawn. How do you reply?
How many votes did I receive yesterday? More than 1,500. How many governors were there? Five. How can five governors result in over 1,500 votes? Even if you consider the delegates from the states represented by these five governors, the numbers don't add up.
Since yesterday, following my election, the situation has shifted. The energy is remarkable, not just among members of the PDP, but throughout Nigeria. People believe their party is making a comeback.
I was chosen by the Nigerian people, particularly the delegates of the PDP, who placed their trust in me and the new National Working Committee. It is our responsibility to serve both those who voted for us and those who did not. This is their fundamental right.
You view crisis management as one of your key strengths, but the convention made a significant decision yesterday: expelling several leaders, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose, and nine others. Do you perceive this as a burden during your time in office? Would you have preferred these leaders to hold off until you assumed control? Would you have handled it differently?
Choices need to be made.
Before I was sworn in, I did not hold responsibility for the party. Even now, despite being elected and taking the oath, we have yet to be officially installed. We will formally assume our roles on 9 December 2025, by God's blessing.
A political group of the PDP's scale does not make choices without justification. Upon assuming control, the transition documents will outline the rationale behind key decisions. We will review them.
But I am a member of the party. I was present. Whatever the party expressed and approved at the convention, we are required to back and carry out.
But in your opinion, would this be a method you would have used?
I don't believe that. There are times in life when difficult choices must be made, but it's preferable to make a decision, even a painful one, rather than make no decision at all. History tends to be more forgiving of incorrect choices than it is of inaction.
The PDP arrived at a stage where specific choices needed to be made in order to lift the party out of its difficulties. I think that was the purpose behind the steps taken.
You mentioned it might not have been your method. Would you have done things differently?
If I were in control and a new scenario arose, and the national convention, which includes representatives from every state, concluded that a specific choice needed to be made, who am I? I am simply a representative of the citizens. It is they who make the decisions.
I mentioned yesterday that the key difference with the PDP is that it belongs to the people. One of our decisions was to bring the party back to the people. When the issue was raised before the delegates yesterday, the reaction was overwhelming. This indicates that this is what they had been hoping for all along.
Therefore, if the populace desires it, we will provide them with what they seek. This is the way we preserve trust and ensure stability. Individuals are allowed to switch to different political groups, yet we aim to keep our own. The question is, how do we achieve this? By returning the party to them.
This gathering is for Nigerians, not solely for PDP supporters. That is the reason we have endured. Retrieve your party. If that's their desire, we will hand it over - and we will continue moving forward.
However, Governors Caleb Mutfwang and Ahmadu Fintiri have distanced themselves from the expulsion decision. Do you not believe this indicates that you are beginning your term on unstable footing?
Well, the problem of beginning on uncertain footing doesn't come into play. I can assure you that Governor Fintiri is a brother and a friend to me, and I have great respect for him. There is a deep connection between us. Therefore, I don't believe he would do anything that would cause me to start on an unstable basis.
To Governor Caleb Mutfwang, he is my colleague, my friend, and also my brother. He has fully backed this project. None of them will take any action, directly or indirectly, that could jeopardize my taking on the duties or roles of the national chairman of the PDP.
As I mentioned, disagreements happen. However, this is where my abilities as a mediator and peacemaker will be useful. Even between the tongue and the teeth, there are times of tension. Does that imply the tongue or the teeth will expel the other? No.
We will have a discussion with them. We will attempt to grasp the viewpoint they hold. We will also help them comprehend the stance that our organization takes. However, I promise you, at some point, there will be a common ground. Once we reach that shared point, we will all reunite and progress as one.
That's the essence of PDP. That's what sets us apart.
You are arriving at a moment when multiple party members have stepped down, with some joining the ADC and others moving to the ruling APC. There are worries from other opposition parties that the ruling party is trying to establish a single-party system. How do you intend to address this under your leadership? And do you think a one-party system is even feasible?
I don't believe a one-party system is feasible because, when considering our historical background, from before independence until now, there has never been a period in Nigeria where the country functioned under a single political party.
Even during the military regime, there were resistances—this is why military takeovers continued. However, let me tell you: the duty of safeguarding democracy in Nigeria is not solely the politicians'. Journalists, you have a responsibility to report effectively and assist the public in comprehending current events.
You don't witness efforts to weaken democratic principles and then turn a blind eye. There are reporters and media outlets that are part of this issue. The judicial system plays a part, as do civil society groups and opinion leaders.
Everyone has a duty, regardless of the industry they are part of. It is important to participate. You must express your opinions. You should educate others.
The challenge we face is that numerous people think strengthening democracy is only the duty of politicians. Not at all. Every individual with good intentions and moral awareness must contribute to keeping democracy alive.
How can we accomplish this? By engaging at various levels. You don't need to be politically aligned to take part. For me, democracy is facing a challenge, and this situation exists in numerous developing nations, particularly in Africa.
That's why we are present: to collaborate with other political parties through IPAC, with civil society groups, with the international community, and with the fourth estate of the realm, in order to protect democracy. Because if you weaken democratic institutions or try to make Nigeria a one-party state, democracy will fall apart.
And may God prevent it, if democracy fails in Nigeria, the effects will be worldwide. I don't believe anyone in government would desire such a scenario.
However, four leaders from your party have already switched sides, and news indicates that more, beginning with Taraba's Governor Agbu Kefas, could do the same. What strategy do you have in place to halt this movement, given that governors hold significant influence within the party?
You see, this is the error people often commit. It concerns decision-making. I mentioned earlier that individuals are free to enter and exit. The motivations that initially led them to join the PDP may have evolved.
Perhaps they have come to understand that their performance for their constituents is so poor that they might not secure the platform again. Since, as I mentioned, we are reclaiming this platform for the people. We are returning the PDP to the people.
There is no place for bias. If the public supports you, then the public will get you. If they don't support you, we'll respond, "Sorry, you won't be getting this ticket." Maybe try somewhere else.
Everyone, not only governors, is making decisions. There are also individuals who are not currently politicians showing interest in joining the PDP.
Since I was elected yesterday, the amount of individuals from different political parties who have contacted me to express, "Now we believe the PDP is becoming active and we wish to join you," is astonishing. However, these matters are not discussed on national television. Initial conversations need to occur first.
And we are pursuing them. You will be amazed. Give me six months and witness the transformation of the PDP.
Is there any possibility for members who have been suspended or removed during that six-month period? Or has that section come to an end?
Politics, much like life, is ever-changing. There is constant evolution at each stage. These changes will shape the decisions or evaluations that take place. I can't sit here and predict what will occur tomorrow. I don't have the authority to make such claims.
But I guarantee you, as I do for Nigerians, that no matter what circumstances arise, we will be ready to handle them. When we reach that bridge, we will cross it.
We are individuals who connect people. We possess the ability to create solid bonds of friendship between different groups. As we construct these connections, you will witness an increase in the number of people interacting. The PDP of Nigerians will be distinct.
Looking towards 2027, do you anticipate the PDP will present a competitive presidential candidate independently, or is a larger opposition alliance more likely? Alternatively, are you thinking about concentrating on securing more state governorships in 2027, with the aim of repositioning the PDP for a presidential return in 2031?
I am uncertain about what the future holds. However, I can guarantee that we will remain receptive to every possibility, as long as it enhances democracy in Nigeria and is approved by our citizens.
Our aim is for Nigerians to be saved from the current circumstances. Therefore, any available and acceptable choice will be examined. The decision will be made when the time comes.
In the past, many significant PDP chairmen have been removed before finishing their term. Why do you think your situation will be different, and what measures are you taking to guarantee consistency?
Initially, posing this question to me is similar to inquiring about the measures I will implement to prevent malaria tomorrow. Certain aspects are outside my control. The real challenge lies in bolstering individuals and reinforcing institutions.
The protection we require is to remain open, unbiased, just, and to provide equal opportunities for all.
If I participate in a contest that is open, free, and just, and I end up losing, I will be okay with it because I believe I was treated properly. However, when individuals feel that the rules have changed or the competition isn't equal, issues occur.
Therefore, if we make the process more open and create a more flexible environment, the current tension will start to decrease. When individuals recognize that this leadership is distinct, impartial, fair, and just, they will become engaged. The public will take ownership of the process.
I guarantee that we will move past matters that might cause difficulties for us in our roles as party leaders. We were entrusted with this position by the public, and our actions will reflect their desires.
Ultimately, what message would you like to convey to Nigerians, including those not affiliated with any party, who are concerned that there might not be another option in 2027?
Nigerians, a new era has emerged within the PDP. This represents a fresh leadership team bringing with it significant duties.
We intend to manage our matters with dignity, openness, transparency, and fairness, ensuring an equal opportunity for all. PDP is beginning a new era in Nigeria's political scene.
Our objective is not solely to reach PDP members; our focus is on Nigerians. They are the ones who will cast their votes.
It is essential to undertake actions that enhance their trust in us. We need to help Nigerians realize and have faith that the PDP they previously knew has come back. They will take ownership of the initiative we are starting.
In the end, it is the Nigerians who cast their votes, not only members of the PDP. Therefore, we will address all Nigerians, not merely through our speech or behavior, but through the impressions we make and the manner in which we manage the party.
I guarantee you, Nigerians will start to see this as a new PDP, one free from impunity, and they will back us just as they did initially.
Don't overlook: this is PDP. If it isn't PDP, then it isn't PDP.
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