PPA predicts APC failure, as opposition canvasses more membership
More reaction trail the merger of opposition political parties
The National Chairman of the Progressive People’s Alliance, Sam
Nkire, has predicted a collapse of the merger announced last week by
four Nigerian opposition political parties.
Mr. Nkire said a preferred and workable arrangement would have been
for the parties involved to keep their structures, but field a common
candidate during the presidential election.
Mr. Nkire predicted the alliance, which has been widely hailed, will
begin to face challenges while choosing candidates for federal, state,
local government and ward levels.
The remarks came as the umbrella body of opposition parties, on Saturday, rallied support and more membership for the new party.
The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, called for on
members to as a “matter of urgent national importance” join the new
party.
“We are making this wake-up call based on the urgent patriotic need
for all progressives to join hand in halting the dangerous slide of
Nigeria to a failed state,” a statement by spokesperson, Osita
Okechukwu, said. “The interest of our dear country, safety of our
fledgling democracy and public good is the hallmark of statesmanship.”
The group urged the members to consider aligning with the platform early enough.
“t is our considered opinion that in their enlightened self interest
and collective interest, joining APC early at this initial stage will
help all progressives forces in designing and modeling a truly center
left manifesto anchored on social justice, welfare and anti-corruption,”
he said.
“Is it not a paradox that Labour Party is missing in action, in fact
in a movement geared towards the redemption of the working class?” the
statement asked.
On a critical note however, the leader of the PPA, Mr. Nkire, said
for every new party position created in the new All Progressive
Congress, APC, three former office holders in the four merging parties
were bound to lose their positions, which may lead to mass defection to
other political parties such as PPA.
He said it was difficult to ask a Nigerian political office holder to
step down for another and become an ordinary member and expect 100 per
cent loyalty from the person.
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