In every democratic experiment, there are procedures and processes in an election, no doubt, be it inter party or within political parties. Hence, one stage gives birth to the other .
The above development is enshrined in our electoral act, in order to ensure participatory democracy of all sectors in the electoral process.
True to type, we are on course as the process is midwifed, even though, elections happen to be stargated due to election tribunal fall out in the past. Be that as it may, mainly and again the Governorship elections of Kogi, Bayelsa states etc., are slated for November 2023.
Upon the above, the political fireworks have begun, not with sweet tunes from the participants (aspirants and their supporters in political parties). However, this piece of write up is centred on APC political party.
It is, therefore, important that APC ought to note seriously that elections are not won on election day, date and season. This is further exemplified with the current election victory of APC with her candidate Senator Bola Tinubu (Ofoni, 2023: Pinaoge series)
Furthermore, to make the write up more meaningful, it is to narrow or tailor it down to Bayelsa state, in order to drive home the role and need of the National Exco of the party to do the needful.
The suggestions contained therein do not, in any way, defile democratic norms and values, rather it expresses and exhibits the need for oneness or promote cohesion to reinforce familyhood in a political party with the aim of winning an election for the party.
This boils down to strategic thinking and planning in the party even though different units or groupings do exist in a political party; more particularly during the primaries in political parties.
Nonetheless,, there is absolutely nothing wrong for the party to eliminate internal wranglings in the party resulting from party primaries in advance and assuage the attendant effect that polarizes political parties during internal democratic processes. More so, It is known to all and sundry that wranglings from party primaries are inimical to party victory to a large extent in general elections.
As it stands now, APC is an opposition party in Bayelsa state, twelve years running. This is well established and acknowledged by APC. Therefore, we are swimming against the tide to gain victory, even though it is on record that APC had won the state in the immediate past Governorship election in 2019.
However, it is pertinent to recall that the beacons on ground that gave us the resounding victory then cannot be the same in the incoming general election.On this light therefore, APC must put up her thinking cap to ensure victory in the November, 2023 Governorship polls.
On this note, APC should call off her party primaries for the Governorship that is due to hold today due largely to the following permutations as we painstakingly examine the options suggested below. This is done with a view to promoting cohesion among party members so as to create desirable impact in the general elections.
Firstly, Chief Timipre Sylva and chief Lyon David to run a joint Governorship ticket in November 2023 as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively.
At this juncture, it is important to note that this has nothing to do with Chief Timipre Sylva’s earlier public statement that his Governorship chapter has closed on his part on radio programme interview some time ago. If the above is anything to go by, the party, APC ought not sell form and screen Chief Timipre Sylva for Governorship race in 2023.
The advantage therein contained in this suggestion will definitely give force and stability to win the Governorship election come November, 2023. As an issue of relevance, it affords the latter to enjoy latitude to acquire the rudiments and building blocks of government, as he prepares to takeover the locus of power after the remaining single tenure of the former.
Secondly, it gives Chief David Lyon first hand knowledge to run a state. The above suggestion must be sealed with the understanding that no impeachment of the Deputy Governor, Chief David Lyon and the party shall give first right of refusal come 2027 Governorship election,with
God overseeing our lives through.
In this setting, the office of Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from Bayelsa state shall come from Bayelsa West Senatorial district. This is intended to bring about fairness as it remains the beacon of hope.
The second option is for the party to return Chief Timipre Sylva as a Minister in the incoming Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Government and allow Chief David Lyon to fly the party ticket with a deputy from Bayelsa West Senatorial District (particularly, from Ekeremor LGA).It is believed that if the APC National Exco shall reason towards this direction, APC is good to go in the November, 2023 election. It is worthy to re-echoe that anything short of these options might spell doom and bear serious consequences and implications for the party in the November, 2023 election.
It Is my ardent conviction to make this acceptable extrapolation in advance that If implemented hook, line and sinker, it shall stem drifting of party members to other parties and the electorates shall see the level of reasonableness in APC as a serious political party and worthy to be voted for because they have seen the light.
The party should equally make reference to other aspirant too on a serious note for fairness and oneness.
Hon. Ofoni Williams is a founding father of Bayelsa State, former member BYHA, chartered mediator, peace Ambassador etc.
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