Former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has described the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a strategic revival of the historical Zikist Alliance.
Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made this assertion on Sunday in Enugu while addressing journalists.
He lauded the unanimous declaration of support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo and APGA.
It will be recalled that during President Tinubu’s recent official visit to Anambra, Governor Soludo announced: “APGA has officially adopted President Tinubu.”
He added, “APGA and the All Progressives Congress (APC) would work together during the 2027 election, as both parties share a common belief in progressivism.”
Okechukwu welcomed the move as a reenactment of the Zikist Alliance of the 1950s, referencing the era when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe served in the Western House of Assembly and Malam Umaru Altine from Sokoto was elected as the first Mayor of Enugu.
He also cited the NPN/NPP alliance during Nigeria’s Second Republic as another example of successful political collaboration.
Describing the current development as a “masterstroke,” Okechukwu said “this is a masterstroke foundation of the Nigeria which need renewal today; instead of ultra-polarisation and ethno-nationalism.
“I salute Gov. Soludo. This was my position back in 2003 when we elected Rt. Hon. Chuba Okadigbo as President Buhari’s vice presidential candidate; that Ndigbo (Igbo people) should neither disengage nor put all their eggs in one PDP’s basket.
“This is especially when Ndigbo reside and invest in all the nooks and crannies of our dear country.”
When asked about the concerns of a one-party state, Okechukwu dismissed the fear, affirming: “APC doesn’t need one party state to win in 2027.”
“Am not a fan of one party state, it’s antithetical to democracy. For me sincerely, APC doesn’t need one party state to win 2027 General Elections.
“All we need is to advance Gross National Happiness. Did not we (members of APC) win 2015, 2019 and 2023 General Elections under multi-party system?” he asked.
He emphasized that Nigeria still operates a robust multi-party system with over ten political parties and diverse political ideologies, even if alliances are forming.
Okechukwu noted: “Yes, there’s palpable phobia of one party state, because of dominance of political bandits of stomach infrastructure hue in our landscape.
“However, political bandit is like proverbial Roman god Janus with two faces. I hope am not vindicated.”
“One is not among those who underrate the opposition and the looming coalition of different tendencies, which may return us into two dominant political parties in multiparty system.”
When reminded that defections from opposition parties into the APC might undermine such a balance, Okechukwu agreed that governors are major players but emphasized the independent will of the electorate.
“But, don’t forget that the electorates are not quartered in a dormitory, therefore may not sheepishly follow the defectors as assumed.”
He added: “My takeaway lesson in my over 40 years in partisan politics is not to rate any gathering as storm in a teacup.
“My candid advice to the leadership of my great party, the APC, is not to rest on the euphoria of the gale of defections. For one anticipates gruesome electioneering campaign in 2027.”
