By Aniefiok ChristopherΒ
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain from Ward 9 in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, has beckoned on the party’s leadership to put its house in order and shop for a strong contender from the South, to correct the misrule and hardship the APC-led federal government has brought upon Nigerians.
Speaking during an exclusive chat with our correspondent, Engr Augustine Udoh said there is nothing special about the President Bola Tinubu administration, insisting that APC has nothing tangible to offer Nigerians apart from the current hardship being witnessed across the country.
Udoh who is opposed to the idea of Governor Umo Eno leaving the PDP for the APC, maintained that the umbrella platform upon which the present and past governors in the State had ascended to power since 1999, have not disappointed the people as opposed to the APC at the centre, which he said is nothing to write home about, since it grabbed power in 2015.
“The All Progressives Congress after ruling for 10 years, has not given Nigerians enough reason to return to power in 2027, hence I will advise the Governor to reconsider his decision to dump the PDP for the APC,” he warned.
The American-trained Electrical Engineer cited the removal of fuel subsidy, which has alaarmingly skyrocketed the prices of staple foods, goods and services, among other failures associated with the APC government, since it wrestled power from the PDP for a decade now.
Admitting that people have the right to join any political party of their choice, Engr Udoh said it is not compulsory for Nigerians in the South to support the Tinubu-led government, citing its failure to force down prices of goods after two years, as an indication that the present administration lacks the magic wand to turn around the fortunes of Nigerians.
The entrepreneur, who was so critical about the unwritten attempt to change the country from its current democratic system of governance into a one-party system, cautioned the President to stop subduing the rights of the people to belong to any political platform or the right to association, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Any attempt to force the masses in the South with no choice than to support his clueless policies, will make the people view the government to be autocratic, and I bet you that a lot of people will rise to challenge such attempts,” Engr Udoh quipped.
He paid tribute to the immediate past administration under Udom Gabriel Emmanuel who helped to enthrone peace and tranquility in the state and the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration for sustaining the unity and, by extension, running an all- inclusive government, irrespective of religion, tribe or political affiliation.
He said Nigerians should be allowed to decide who will govern them beyond 2027, using the parameters of all the promises made to them ahead of the 2015 polls, if they are faring well or not.
Udoh outlined the promises to include the fight against insecurity, food sufficiency, among others, to determine whether to endure more pains or shop for an alternative at the polls.
The party Chieftain expressed doubt that defecting to the APC, in an attempt to align with the centre, will automatically guarantee the nod for the Ibom Deep Seaport project or attract federal presence that the people of the state are clamouring for, adding that what matters most is the dividends of democracy to the common man on the streets of Uyo and beyond.
He, therefore, advised the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party to shop for a suitable presidential candidate from the South to challenge the Tinubu-led government in 2027, insisting that the party had left a legacy from 1999 till date, which is difficult for the APC government to surpass, since it took over power.
