‘Two-Party System’ll Eradicate Rigging’

The National Chairman of Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd.), has called for a two-party political system, saying “it will eliminate the rigging of elections”.

He made the call in an interview with newmen on Sunday in Abuja .

“A two-party system is the best for this country, because it kills politics of region, ethnicity and religion as we witnessed during the era of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC).

“Issues such as zoning will not come to play in a two-party system, because the system will be capable of producing the best candidates, irrespective of their heterogeneous political backgrounds,” Magashi said.

He said “the rigging elite” would not be able to perpetrate electoral sharp practices with the two-party system.

The former Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna said it was rather unfortunate the way most Nigerians clamour for political parties’ formation.

“They have been doing so because of their selfish interests which they have allowed to supersede the overall interests of the nation.

“There should be a limit to registration of parties, because some political parties are only out to bargain positions and collect money for the purpose of adopting one candidate or the other during elections,” he said.

Magashi said a two-party state would further ensure the supremacy of party over the party members who occupy positions.

He commended INEC for starting the process of de-listing some political parties, saying there is the need to build few political parties with ideological perspectives.

“This will further make people to contribute fervently to party development, thereby enhancing supremacy of party leadership above elected members.

“The idea of jumping from one political party to another whenever there are disagreements would also be eliminated.

“A number of politicians feel that, with their resources, they can jump to any party and will still make impact whenever there is a disagreement in the other party. This is wrong,” the DPP leader said.

On the 51st independence anniversary, Magashi said there was every need to celebrate it because it marked the day Nigeria was politically emancipated from colonial masters.

According to him, “the rallying point of our unity commenced from that day, hence we need to showcase a viable and elaborate celebration that will depict honour. For me, there is no better day like October 1 in Nigeria.

“What binds us together is unity in diversity and we know each one’s weaknesses and strengths, and that calls for the

celebration of this anniversary,” he said.

The DPP national chairman also challenged the political elite to exhibit patriotism through service to the nation, rather than propagating corruption which hinders national development.

“It is unfortunate that people who do not have anything doing can go to their enclaves and start creating mischief,” he said.

Magashi decried the level of value placed on money, saying it has made Nigerians to forget so many things which would have made them proud of their nation like US citizens.

“The love of money is so prevalent in our society, and it is difficult to effect a change because many people will not allow you to change the existing structure,” he said.