Former Military President, retired General Ibrahim Babangida has said that his prediction that Nigeria should go with two-party system is gradually manifesting.
“Gradually, my earlier suggestion about the practice of a two-party system is gradually coming to the fore in the country.
“In 1999, when I was advocating for a two-party system, some of my colleagues had their doubts, but I told them that it provides a choice, which is the first essence of democracy.”
Babangida spoke in Minna, the Niger State capital today, Saturday, when the Strategy and Inter-Party Affairs Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presented its report on how to move the party forward, to him.
He expressed optimism that PDP could still rule for 60 years “provided it can put its house in order. PDP’s presence is felt not only in Abuja or Lagos, but down to the lowest level.
“ if you go to the grassroots, the ordinary man will talk about PDP; that is the asset the party has and should use to spring back to reckoning.
“Already, it is accepted and known. All you have to do is work harder and try to convince the people back to your fold,” he said.
Earlier, chairman of the committee, Prof. Jerry Gana had advised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow opposition political parties to always voice their opinion on issues.
Gana also advised the APC to allow rival parties to develop so as to offer Nigerians other options “at all times”, saying: “the presence of opposition is key to democratic growth; we must allow Nigerians to listen to the other side,” he said.
Professor Gana was accompanied by Alhaji Aminu Wali, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chief Tom Ikimi, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, Professor Rufai Alkali and former Niger governor, Babangida Aliyu.
(NAN). [myad]
