Similarly, a literary and social critic, Mr. Ikhide R. Ikheloa, while analysing the trend, insisted that Nigeria has yet to have a distinct opposition. He, however, stated that the fact was only clear to discerning minds.
He said, "The notion that there has been even one opposition party in Nigeria in the past 15 years is more than a notion, it is a distressing myth. The APC is the latest incarnation of a plethora of 'opposition parties' that have done nothing but dine with the reigning political party in broad daylight, while making the noises about corruption, incompetence and vision, prattle, prattle, prattle.
"Let's put it this way: The distinction between the PDP and the APC is a distinction without a difference. Go and check the legislative voting records at the National Assembly; the APC has voted almost lockstep with the PDP in virtually all substantive legislation.
"The APC has no credibility as an opposition party. That is the tragedy of the circumstances Nigeria finds itself. The opposition is in bed with the ruling party and, as a result, there is no accountability. No one is minding the store. It does not help that the visible leaders of the APC are under several clouds of corruption, criminality and proven incompetence."
When asked if there were other options for the electorate as the country has over 20 political parties, Ikhide replied, "Clearly, we have primarily a choice between two incompetent and corrupt institutions. I am not convinced that I should flee my current odious circumstances for another well of odium. We are stuck."
The writer said the larger question should be why are things the way they are? He criticised the recent scaling of the gate of the National Assembly by APC lawmakers, saying it mimicked what took place in 1962. In the 21st century, he said, nothing has changed.
"Specifically since 1999, when the civilians took over from the military, there has been no serious attempt at structural reform in Nigeria. The ruling party and the opposition have been united by sloth, incompetence and greed. Is democracy, as practiced in Nigeria, the only option we have? We cannot sustain this charade. This issue is what should occupy all thinking Nigerians. How do we rescue Nigeria and Nigerians from the boll weevils in our midst," Ikhide added.
http://www.punchng.com/politics/fourth-republic-knocks-for-opposition-parties/
- Ikhide
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