Tonye Princewill says APC’s problem is APC, which is the lack of internal party democracy. He says PDP, although weak, can spring surprises
By Anthony Musa, Abuja
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Rivers state, Prince Tonye Princewill, has warned the leadership of the party against falling prey to the same antics that got the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) kicked out of power in 2015.
Tonye Princewill said in an interview that while the party has all it takes to retain power in 2023, it must work hard to put behind it all the contending issues that have threatened to undermine the party
While commending ongoing reconciliation efforts in the party, Tonye Princewill said the problem facing the party could be traced to lack of internal party democracy, pointing out that aggrieved members would feel more at home if issues affecting them are handled with utmost sincerity by the leadership of the party.
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He said: “if you trace the problems in the party, you will find that they are linked to the lack of internal party democracy. So reconciliation is critical. It is not what happens to you, but how it is addressed. Show respect, listen to opposing views and find a way to put them behind you and you will see the results.
“In 2014, APC showed Nigeria how reconciliation and collective interests produced a consensus that overthrew an incumbent government. Men decided to bury personal interests to converge around a single ideal that kicked PDP out of power.
“In the pursuit of retaining power, APC has to do the same otherwise it will have a taste of its own medicine. A word is enough for the wise.
“APC’s biggest challenge is APC. Not just in the South-South geopolitical zone, but nationwide. If the leaders in the South-South, for example, can find a way to work together; they will make great gains in the region.
“I can see the signs of this beginning to emerge. The new leadership of the party can build on this when they emerge. That’s why I am looking forward to the quality of Leadership that will emerge. So far, the field is narrowing and the final picture appears to be producing the kind of politicians who know what it takes to win wars and not isolated battles,” Tonye Princewill said.
He dismissed insinuations that the PDP can capitalize on the crisis within the APC to take back power in 2023, saying “it is not possible. The PDP is weak and also prone to a customized implosion of its own, but nobody should ever be underestimated.
“Nigerians have very short memories. Some have forgotten what PDP represents and cut off their nose to spite their face. I’ve seen men do very strange things, only to regret it later.
“Besides, powerful men being out of power for eight years can do powerful things like swallowing their own vomit to get back in. For many, politicians, politics and power is all they know. They can do anything to remain relevant.
“The other factor to consider is 2023 may not be about party. It may be about the candidate. If PDP brings a popular candidate, he or she can give the party a new image. The message to us in APC is, do not take Nigerians for granted. And I am so sure, we will not,” says Tonye Princewill