A pot calling the kettle black

Sir: The desperation of the two major political parties in the country; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be in power at all costs is worrisome.

The duo is seemingly not disturbed about the present socioeconomic crises let alone the bleakish future of the country. Thus, relevant sectors should proactively be prepared for the possibility.

The miserable character silhouetting the two political parties is similar – merely to aggressively be in power. Since 1999, there have been no significant achievements from the central governments the duo respectively controlled. For instance, almost all the solid infrastructures in existence in Lagos and Abuja are credit points of the military governments like the Federal Secretariat facilities, National Theater, etc.

Recently, the APC accuses PDP of violating of power rotation arrangement. On the other hand, PDP judges the ruling party, APC over non-inclusive politics by the ‘same-faith ticket’ in a society where religion is well pronounced thereby sidelining Christians, who represent one of the two dominant religions.

PDP’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar furnished a flimsy excuse claiming he joined the race as his party, PDP failed to ‘micro-zone presidency to South East. Clearly, the defence is weak but merely to hoodwink light brains. Similarly, APC in attempts to cover up its own mess resorted to conspiracy theories.

It is therefore difficult to deduct the senses in the outbursts of the two parties. Or are they merely taking the nation for a ride? By their actions, the actors are not seeking popular concerns. And even from records, Nigerians particularly the suffering masses have not significantly felt the impact of the dramatis personae in any manner.

For instance, in one trending photo, Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) posed with the deprived children with sachet of water. Meanwhile, Atiku pleasurably lives life to its fullest in Dubai, only showing up during politics to mingle with the poor. His privately-owned institution of learning in Yola is exclusively for the rich people, not even the average class.

Be that as it may, Nigeria’s peaceful co-existence is critical to its advancement. Added to this, an ideal leader for the country must emphatically, be articulate, strong and competent to ably address numerous prevalent issues in the polity. It is only in Nigeria that aspirants to the highest office of the land contest elections without submitting for debates. Nigeria must grow above enthroning mediocrity or expecting magic. INEC should obligatorily organise debates as done in civilised countries as Nigeria is not cursed as to where anything goes. A poll that produces a shabby administration is counterproductive.

Carl Umegboro is a public affairs analyst and social advocate.