PDP could still rule for 60 years - IBB
Former military head of state Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) has said that the Peoples Democratic Party can rule for 60 years “provided it can put its house in order”.
Babaginda made this known on Saturday, March 11, when he received leaders of the party at his Hilltop mansion in Minna, Niger state capital.
According to him, PDP is the only political party, whose presence had been felt, known and accepted by the people, NAN reports.
IBB says PDP could still rule for 60 years if it can put its house in order
He said: “PDP’s presence is felt not only in Abuja or Lagos, but down to the lowest level,” he said.
“If you go to the grassroots, the ordinary man will talk about PDP; that is the asset the party has and should use to spring back to reckoning.
“Already, it is accepted and known. All you have to do is work harder and try to convince the people back to your fold.”
The former military president also re-echoed his support for a two-party system, and declared that it was the best option toward deepening democracy.
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He said: “Gradually, my earlier suggestion about the practice of a two-party system is gradually coming to the fore in the country.
“In 1999, when I was advocating for a two-party system, some of my colleagues had their doubts, but I told them that it provides a choice, which is the first essence of democracy.”
According to IBB, the PDP has a military wing, which membership comprises of top Generals.
He said the members of the party’s military wing include himself, Lt General Theophillus Yakubu Danjuma,General Olusegun Obasanjo,General Aliyu Mohammed among others.
IBB said: “We are the military wing of PDP, we took a lot of interest in the PDP."
He likened the PDP at the formative stage Irish Republican Army, adding that members of the wing took a special interest in the affairs of the party.
"I termed us IRA military wing of PDP; I thank God we came up with the concept that PDP should rule for 60 years", he noted.
Earlier, Jerry Gana, head of the delegation, described Babangida as “a visionary leader, who read the future and advocated a two-party system long ago”.
Gana also urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow opposition political parties to always voice their opinion on issues.
He advised the APC to allow rival parties to develop so as to offer Nigerians other options “at all times”.
“The presence of opposition is key to democratic growth; we must allow Nigerians to listen to the other side,” he said.
Gana was accompanied by Alhaji Aminu Wali, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chief Tom Ikimi, Mr Emeka Ihedioha, Prof’. Rufai Alkali and former Niger governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu.