- Safiu Kehinde
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has reiterated his description of a political party as a vehicle designed to give people access to political power and dividend of democracy- a role he warned must not be deviated from.
Aregbesola made this known at the ADC’s official reception of decamped former Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) and Labour Party’s members in Lagos on Saturday.
In his address at the event, the former Osun State Governor recalled a speech by late Nigerian national leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who warned about the rise of a new political party structure once the existing party fails the people.
As quoted by Aregbesola, Awolowo had, in his speech at the Sixth Annual Congress of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) on the December 15th, 1983-following Shehu Shagari’s re-election, said that “Binary compounds of thesis and antithesis, which may be evolutionary or revolutionary, in which—whether we like it or not—all human beings are inescapably involved…
“When the war is over, only the best of us will be accommodated in the synthesis, with the best in antithesis in complete dominance.”
This according to Aregbesola depicted Nigeria’s current situation under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.
He held that the existing political order, which is the thesis, will be confronted by its antithesis, bringing it to an end while a new order will emerge as the synthesis.
The ADC National Secretary highlighted the socio-political challenges facing Nigeria which, according to him led to urgent need to rescue the country.
Aregbesola further noted that any government that does not prioritize the welfare of the people will soon lost relevance and collapse.
“Across the nation, the spectre of insecurity looms large as sundry criminals lay siege on the people, making economic and social activities nearly impossible.
“People now live in mortal fear for their lives and property.
“Medical services, and especially drugs, have become so exorbitant that many of the sick are left waiting to die—unless a miracle comes their way.
“The cost of living is so high that starvation is literally stalking the land. Those who are a little more comfortable are being overwhelmed by requests for assistance from the needy in our society.
“We must learn from the lessons of history and not take them for granted. The people are at the centre of politics and government. Any government—whether democratic, military, authoritarian, monarchical, or whatever its definition—that does not make the welfare and wellbeing of its people the basis of governance will soon lose relevance and collapse.
“There is a limit to how much the people can be squeezed and pushed before something eventually gives.
“This is why our mission is urgent and our intervention has become absolutely necessary. We must act now to save the nation.” The ex-Osun said.
He thereafter the role of a political party which according to him carries severe consequences if deviated from.
“A political party exists to serve as the vehicle that gives the people access to political power.
“This is a sacred mission, and whenever any ruling party departs from it, the consequences are dire.
“More than anything, I have been encouraged by the enthusiasm of politicians and citizens across divides and from all walks of life who are trooping into the ADC.” He added.