-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Austen AKHAGBEME:

THE signals emanating from the recent concluded national convention of The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, shows a brighter light not only for opposition politics in Nigeria, but also for qualitative intra-party politics and stability.

Amidst the Uche Secondus’ brouhaha, the Party went ahead to weather the storm and came out unscathed from the near tension soaked convention.

The emergence of almost all the candidates vying for the various positions in the party organogram based on consensus is a clear pointer to how far the party has evolved and matured over time as regards the usual intra-party politicking and mutual mudslinging.

While some may frown at consensus candidacy as being undemocratic, it should be noted too, that democracy thrives on popular choice and inclusivism based on aggregated interest and alignment. This was what made the convention rancour-free, tactical, sealed and delivered on a ‘convivial’ note.

One thing of note was the gradual dismantling of the “militarised” power bloc loyal to the retired military goons by an emerging power bloc championed by the younger hawks and the governors affiliates.

This was why Dr Iyorchia Ayu emerged instead of Brig-Gen David Mark (rtd) as the Party Chairman on one hand and Amb Taofeek Arapaja as the Deputy chairman South, instead of Brig-Gen Olagunsoye Oyinlola (rtd) on the other. The days of wielding oppressive political influence based on mere military background and not the political connection to the people at the grassroots are over.

The emergence of a 25-year-old National youth leader in the PDP, is equally a tacit call to and the recognition of the youth which constitutes 60% of the nation’s population, in the emerging scheme of things.

It is definitely, a new dawn for the PDP nay opposition politics in Nigeria. We only hope that this freshness of purpose demonstrated so far may translate to quality leadership now and beyond 2023.

• Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
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