By Paul Idika
In a democratic setting where candidates are elected through the platform of political parties, such political groupings consider several contending variables in choosing persons to represent them at elections. Making the right choices for sellable candidates is often a herculean task. Because of the numerous competing interests, the selection of such party flag-bearers results in fiercely contested primaries, sometimes more contentious than the election proper.
Political parties that are able to resolve on their candidates with minimal rancour and without the necessity of competitive primary elections enjoy the benefits of cohesion and continuity in the polity. This owes to the fact that in many cases, party primaries in Nigeria are often characterised by acrimonious politicking, aggression, unhealthy rivalry and so much devilish horse-trading. In addition, the party expends enormous resources in convening such primaries. Candidates on their part often have to borrow to “buy” the support of delegates. Such immense expenses could be applied to further the fortunes of the party if there was an amicable resolution on a candidate and a rancorous internal election averted.
In certain situations, if the loser is popular and has the means, he often moves to another party with his supporters and depletes the strength of the party at the general election. The fear for such a person is that winners often grab it all. He is thus consigned to political oblivion, something no politician desires. It behoves on a political party, therefore, to maintain a reliable arrangement for sustaining the commitment of their members who lost during primaries and rewarding their loyalty. This is in line with the adage that if you have to retrieve a sword from a child, you must give him a flexible wooden knife to play with. This system, if applied with faithfulness, has worked in several instances.
The Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who today seems to command the support of more than a fair majority of PDP members and followers in Enugu state registered his mark in the political landscape through such party loyalty. His initial foray into politics pitched him against Dr Chinedu Onu for the chairmanship of Udenu Local government area. The party hierarchy persuaded him to step down for Onu, in spite of his seeming popularity. He did not only accept that but instantly donated his campaign vehicle and some cash to the selected candidate. When then in 2003 he declared his interest to go to the House of Representatives, the then party hierarchy rewarded his loyalty and steadfastness with an express ticket. That is also why many perceive him as a man to trust.
It is important to add that he has reaped many folds from his allegiance and constancy.
Today, Onu has reciprocated that gesture by sheathing his gubernatorial ambition to support Ugwuanyi’s candidacy. Dr Onu would have also convinced himself that Hon. Ugwuanyi is a man to be trusted. Who says that history does not repeat itself? By their actions, Dr Onu and Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu (who also stepped down) have demonstrated their confidence in the leadership of the party and helped to douse the tension in the polity. The party will fare better and thrive under such peaceful atmosphere. Their deeds are etched in the subconscious of the party and surely they will not regret their action.
A similar situation played out in 2011 in the race for the Reps seat between Engr. Ike Ugwuegede and Dr Patrick Asadu. Delegates had converged at the Government Field, Nsukka, for the primaries after several weeks of rigourous campaigning. It was obvious from the atmosphere that Engr. Ugwuegede would clear the polls and clinch the ticket. Shortly, the party hierarchy again intervened and pleaded with Engr. Ugwuegede to allow Dr Asadu to go for a re-election. As painful as it seemed to both the candidate and his supporters, he still accepted that decision with equanimity. He neither decamped from the PDP nor did he engage in anti-party activities. Instead, he stuck with the party, accompanying Asadu to rallies with his supporters and never exhibiting any disenchantment. The party reminded itself of Ugwuegede’s sacrifice this time around in the manner in which they voted overwhelmingly for him during the primaries. Asadu, instead of responding in like manner, conducted a parallel primary election. That also is etched in the subconscious of the party.
Some contestants within the PDP like Chief Ikeje Asogwa adhered to the party’s adoption of Hon. Ugwuanyi as the gubernatorial candidate of the party during a caucus meeting of party stalwarts from Enugu North Senatorial Zone. These are the real heroes of party politics. They are those that the party should keep faith with. They are those to be rewarded tomorrow with appointments and tickets for electoral positions.
But it cannot be the same for those who like a pendulum would swing from one direction to the other, creating disaffection and causing commotion in the party. These are the people that fuelled the feud between the governor and the deputy senate president. Like old hags they trade in rumours and gossip to keep aglow the embers of discord. Like vultures, they feed on dead bodies and only grab the spoils of war. But wisdom prevailed and with a ceasefire they hang mid-air like the bat, neither here nor there.
Loyalty to a party is like marriage. It is not given at your convenience. You give your best even in the worst moments. You are stuck with the party because you subscribe to its principles, its manifesto. Allegiance to one’s party is not something that applies only when it suits you. What would become the fate of such party should every member insist on his ambition? The party will implode catastrophically and become no more, to the delight of other parties.
Loyalty and allegiance should be the motto of a responsible party man. Enugu people and the PDP should keep a diary of their heroes and villains.
Idika wrote from Awka, Anambra State.
