Perhaps, it was only those who lacked keen discernment that failed to realize that the resignation of Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) from the PDP was an eventuality. It was long incubated in the womb of time, and all that was left was for the governorship hopeful to act when he felt the time was nigh enough.
And it came to pass that on July 15, 2022, after over 20 years of active membership of the PDP, the Senator who is currently representing Uyo Senatorial District in the National Assembly, pulled the plug on his membership from the umbrella party.
The governorship hopeful, a trained banker, investor, former Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom State, and currently, Senator, has eventually joined the Young Progressives Party (YPP)!The defection has been the most talked about political occurrence in the state, going by trends of the past days.
Already, his supporters and followers are confident that OBA’s government will entrench a people-centric and prosperity-driven government. They are also celebrating the possibility of their principal being on the ballot for 2023 after being denied same by Udom Emmanuel and PDP.
However, I wish many of us could see beyond the horizon of immediate sentiments. The larger picture should entice anyone who believes in the growth and development of Nigeria’s nascent democracy.
We all saw how democracy was literally thrown under the bus by Governor Udom Emmanuel in his quest to install Pastor Umo Eno as candidate of the PDP. Fellow aspirants screamed their lungs out, warning of possible consequences if the ad hoc delegates contest were not fair but the governor stuck to his guns, and the rest is now history.
Those who feel that the primary which produced Mr Umo Eno was not in line with democratic ethos, now have an alternative. Those who feel that the Governor is forcing Umo Eno down their throats, have an option to revolt through the ballot.
Our democracy is coming of age, hence certain baggages and excesses must be curtailed. Justifying impunity because it has always been a “norm” irritates the sanity in me. The clamour should not be restricted to those who seek reforms by criticizing the political class; many who have been part of the problematic “system” are very much welcome to this other side.
What has plagued our politics and polity for copious decades is a lack of clear ideological vision guided by a strong quest to offer people-centric services. Such ideological vacuum has for decades foisted impunity upon us.
Meanwhile, if the ongoing clamour by citizens that they would vote based on candidates’ antecedents and not on party sentiments, is anything to go by, then our political culture has gone a notch higher on the improvement ladder. We saw what happened in Osun State, days ago.
As hinted earlier, the space is opening up. Political awareness is increasing but there is still much left to be done. To successfully wrest power, these third force political parties must not relent in voter enlightenment.
In our villages, people’s electoral rights have long been stolen by the political class who use illiteracy, poverty and poor infrastructure to keep them in perpetual bondage. Thorough enlightenment between now and the elections can help liberate the conquered minds of the electorate.
In OBA, YPP is gaining a member with a huge fanbase. YPP has gained OBA, OBA is about to gain a governorship ticket in return, and the electorate have gained an additional platform to cast their hopes upon through the ballot in 2023.
