The merging of four political parties to form the All Progressive Congress may be the last opportunity to head off a one-party system.
The ruling Peoples Democratic Party should not try to scuttle the merger as politically alleged in some quarters. If this democracy must be sustained, there should exist at least two strong parties with near-equal chances of forming a government after each election.
Even the recent confliction of registration of APC as made known by the Prof. Attahiru Jega led Independent National Electoral Commission has been linked to some powerful cabals within the ruling party.
Since 1999 when Nigeria changed from military to civilian rule, PDP has been occupying Aso Rock without any strong opposition party winning the four general elections in the country. Some PDP chiefs have also said the party would rule for many years as long as democracy continues to survive in the country.
But in the recent elections the Action Congress of Nigeria captured the South- West and Edo State, the Congress for Progressive Change and the All Nigeria Peoples Party shine in the North while the All Progressive Grand Alliance rules in two states in the East.
PDP has equally thrown its challenge to the APC, that only valid political cooperation and not media hype would make them occupy Aso Rock in 2015. Only time would tell if APC is ready to capture power from the PDP in 2015. APC must start preparing assiduously for the 2015 general elections instead of using the print and electronic media to run down the present government.
Godday Odidi, 08063458693, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos
