Adinoyi Jimoh Idris
The assertion by the opponents of Wada Idris, the present PDP Kogi State anointed but controversial flag bearer in the forthcoming governorship election, regarding his party membership complications is very serious. Specifically, the issue of forgery and manipulation of the Party’s membership register at the ward level has been raised to unimaginable heights with substantive evidence that amounts to disqualification. The sworn affidavit under oath by the then secretary of his native Odu 1 Ward in a High Court of Justice in Kogi State affirmed that Wada Idris was never a member of the PDP as against the details in the party membership card which sadly he parades as authentic. Even if the PDP leadership decides to grant him a waiver, it is akin to medicine after death because the issue of perjury will be introduced to cause a lot of damage to his candidacy in the forthcoming elections.
Beyond these alleged despicable acts which Wada Idris has been robed into, there are many other issues that are largely against the interest of the PDP. First, is his unpopularity resulting from a clear absence of political base and followership. Second, is the massive allegation of fraud both imaginary and real. Third, is the perceived strength of his opponents within the PDP fold. Specifically, Isa Jubril Echocho commands a large section of the PDP teeming supporters. He is a man widely perceived to have earned the mandate of the people and this was clearly demonstrated in the first PDP Primaries of January 9th 2011 where he emerged as winner. His participation and contributions to ensuring that Kogi state won majority seats at the State House of assembly, Federal House of Representative and Senate in the recent elections leaves no doubt about his political competence and influence in swinging votes for PDP’s success in any election in Kogi State. Sadly, the Kogi state PDP leadership has not found wisdom in building a genuine reconciliatory move to address the grievances of Isa Echocho and his intimidating large number of supporters which rests on allegations of impunity and self-serving set up interest of the outgoing Governor Ibrahim Idris.
The future of Kogi state PDP is largely predictable. A continued imbroglio between Wada Idris and Isa Echocho portends danger for PDP at the December elections. The opposition party is already celebrating as the choice of Wada Idris by the PDP will surely generate sufficient protest votes that will make their candidate the next Governor of the State. Also, the Isa Echocho camp though in court may not hesitate to negotiate with the opposition if they perceive injustice and dissatisfaction in the outcome of the National PDP’s decision on their protest against Wada Idris candidature primarily because the opposition of ACN has one term. For them, with the avalanche of allegations on Wada Idris, any decision that favours Wada Idris as the PDP flag bearer can only be regarded as an electoral malpractice orchestrated by a set of incompetent and corrupt party officials as there is no point why a man like Wada Idris should be allowed to hold a public office in a modern democracy.
Presently, all these have combined to be real threats to the PDP’s future in Kogi State. But the saving grace will be the National PDP’s decision. Indeed, the decision of the National leadership of PDP will not only determine the destiny of PDP in Kogi state but will speak for the caliber of men that run the affairs of Nigeria’s ruling Party and to a large extent, the nature of democracy practiced in Nigeria. On a final note, one question that has remained worrisome is why is it that Kogi state PDP is the only State that is not reaffirming the people’s choice in the first primaries of January 9th, 2011. Perhaps, this would have saved the PDP of this risky misadventure with potentials of a great loss in the forthcoming elections.
Idris writes from Okenne, Kogi State, Nigeria.