Indisputably, the People’s Democratic Party PDP, is Nigeria’s most popular political party. It is an off-shoot of the defunct Social Democratic Party SDP, which was the Ruling party in the Third Republic.

The APC on the other hand was formed in July 2013 after a successful merger of ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of APGA. Since the inception of democracy in 1999, Nigeria has been under the control of PDP and the party appears to be waxing stronger as far as politics is concerned.

Throughout the political history of Nigeria, the APC under the headship of Chief John Oyegun a native of Edo state has remained the most vibrant, active and critical weapon of opposition. Of course, in a democracy, constructive criticism is an essential ingredient of a healthy, sound, purposeful and progressive government. Both major parties are leaving no stone unturned to woo a large part of the electorate into their camps and in 2015, the parties will test their strengths at the polls.

Indisputably, the People’s Democratic Party PDP, is Nigeria’s most popular political party. It is an off-shoot of the defunct Social Democratic Party SDP, which was the Ruling party in the Third Republic.

The APC on the other hand was formed in July 2013 after a successful merger of ANPP, ACN, CPC and a faction of APGA. Since the inception of democracy in 1999, Nigeria has been under the control of PDP and the party appears to be waxing stronger as far as politics is concerned.

Throughout the political history of Nigeria, the APC under the headship of Chief John Oyegun a native of Edo state has remained the most vibrant, active and critical weapon of opposition. Of course, in a democracy, constructive criticism is an essential ingredient of a healthy, sound, purposeful and progressive government. Both major parties are leaving no stone unturned to woo a large part of the electorate into their camps and in 2015, the parties will test their strengths at the polls.

Worthy of note is the fact that the ruling PDP has never been defeated at the presidential polls. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo served for two consecutive terms as president under PDP. Late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was a president too under PDP. He fell ill and died and was succeeded by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, a strong PDP member. At states level, out of the 36 states in Nigeria, PDP is in control of 21 while APC is in control of 14. Only Anambra is an APGA controlled state. To justify the number, the Governor of Ondo state Chief Olusegun Mimiko recently decamped to the PDP from Labour Party while in Ekiti state, the incumbent governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi lost the governorship battle to Ayodele Fayose of the PDP. Also in Adamawa state, the then APC governor Alh. Murtala Nyako was impeached and replaced by Umaru Fintiri of the PDP. These developments further swelled the PDP as a political party. But of course, parties have their weaknesses as well. At a particular point in time, PDP was enmeshed in an almost irretrievable crisis when Alh. Bamanga Tukur was its national chairman. Many members who accused Tukur of being the architect of PDP’s crisis left and pitched tent with the opposition. It was the coming of Alh. Adamu Muazu former Bauchi state governor that the party revived its shape.

The APC on the other hand came under heavy attack at its inception by many Nigerians who accused the then interim national officials of playing an Islamic religious card and not having a convincing manifesto. That impression would later be corrected when recently the APC held its national convention in Abuja and elected a Christian from Edo state Chief John Oyegun and other christian officials to run the affairs of the party. By and large, in 2015, PDP and APC are the major parties to flex political muscles just like during the 1991 Local Government elections in Nigeria, the National Republic Convention NRC, headed by Chief Tom Ikimi and the Social Democratic Party SDP, headed by Alh. Babagana Kingibe tested their strengths.

The thrust of this piece is basically to conscientize Nigerians on the need to do the right thing. It has nothing to do with gathering support for PDP or APC. Already, politics is rife and both parties are developing strategies to win the support of the masses because as they say, politics is a game of numbers. The eyes of Nigerians should by now be opened to see the realities on ground and vote overwhelmingly for the right candidate not on the basis of party but because the candidate has the vision and ideas to change our story from bad to good. We can’t as a nation-state continue to live in abject poverty, corruption, terrorism, gross-insecurity and other disturbing ills. We shouldn’t be deceived by empty promises, cheap political talks, monetary pleasures and allow ourselves to be used and dumped after elections by politicians who don’t mean well for us. We must demand for creation of jobs with the vast resources Nigeria is endowed with through pro-democracy efforts.

Political parties should articulate their manifestos and let Nigerians decide using the ballot. Alas, it is very wrong and democratically incorrect for a political office holder not to perform while in office but would want to use his/her party platform to induce unsuspecting masses with material gifts and money to pave his/her re-election way. In the event that the candidate doesn’t enjoy popular support, the party would rig the election to the detriment of democracy and the political sensibilities of the people. For now, PDP may field Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as its sole presidential candidate which was greeted with a gale of endorsements while APC is yet to select its flag bearer. Although a former Vice President Alh. Atiku Abubakar a business mogul and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari are formally in the race. Other silent presidential hopefuls under APC are Kano state Governor Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Chief Sam Nda-Isaiah, Chief Rochas Okorocha, Comrade Adams Oshiomole and House of Representatives Speaker Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal. Excluding APGA which has given its presidential support to President Jonathan, other political parties may later field their candidates but for now, nothing is heard about them.

In conclusion, Nigeria needs peace more than ever in this electioneering period. Political parties should caution their candidates and supporters to eschew bitterness, desperation, crisis and unnecessary altercations. There shouldn’t be rigging, violence and foisting of candidates on the masses. Let Nigerians freely and happily decide who governs them at the National, state and local government levels. The PDP appears to control the game now. But can it hold it for 50 years as recently bursted by its former national chairman Dr. Bamanga Tukur? Many are holding the belief and view that PDP has failed this country. Thus, It needs to reshape itself, dust itself and open a new chapter of hope for Nigerians as “he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”

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“Party alone doesn’t matter anymore; it is the voice and aspiration of the people that matter.” by Satmak Dapar