Politics
‘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.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
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