As 2025 unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that political salvations will not come through passive expectations. The proverbial "Godot" as written in 1953 play by Samuel Beckett will not arrive to fix our political system. Instead, the responsibility falls on individuals and parties to organize, strategize, and act. This realization is especially urgent for the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party in opposition that seems lost in chaos, acrimony, and disunity.
Rather than focusing on strategic planning to challenge the well-entrenched People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Delta APC platforms are plagued by bitterness and infighting. This internal dysfunction betrays a lack of understanding of the essential principles that define the purpose, functions, and roles of political parties.
What is a Political Party?
A political party is an organized entity that seeks to gain and wield political power through elections. Members of a party are united by shared goals and ideologies, working collectively to influence governance and policy. Unlike pressure groups that advocate for specific causes, political parties aim for comprehensive control of the government.
Political parties are vital to democracy. They provide platforms for candidates, articulate policies, and streamline decision-making. Without a unified pursuit of power, a political party becomes hollow, losing its essence and influence.
Functions of Political Parties
The functions of a political party revolve around contesting elections, governing, and shaping public opinion. Key responsibilities include:
1. Winning Elections: Mobilizing voters and resources to secure power.
2. Shaping Public Policy: Articulating ideologies and setting national agendas.
3. Providing Governance: Implementing policies and laws when in power.
4. Serving as Opposition: Holding ruling parties accountable and offering alternatives.
5. Connecting Citizens and Government: Acting as intermediaries between the electorate and policymakers.
Role of Opposition Parties in Democracy
In a democracy, opposition parties are indispensable. They hold the government accountable, critique policies, and propose alternatives. Their role is not merely to oppose but to enrich democratic governance by preventing authoritarianism and preparing for future leadership. An effective opposition ensures transparency, fosters public debate, and offers voters a credible alternative.
Intra-Party Conflicts: A Double-Edged Sword
Internal conflicts within a party can be both advantageous and detrimental. On the positive side, they foster diversity of opinion, encourage critical thinking, and promote internal democracy. These conflicts can stimulate innovation and leadership development when properly managed.
However, when left unchecked, intra-party conflicts breed division, erode public trust, and harm electoral prospects. They damage the party’s brand, reduce collaboration, and attract negative media attention, ultimately weakening the party’s ability to function effectively.
The Delta APC Case
For the Delta APC, these lessons are especially critical. The PDP, deeply entrenched in Delta State, cannot be unseated through casual efforts or fragmented opposition. Victory requires unity, discipline, and strategic planning. Yet, the current state of Delta APC suggests a lack of focus on these essentials.
The bitter disputes dominating its platforms highlight the need for a paradigm shift. The party must prioritize its core purpose—winning elections and delivering governance. Internal disagreements must be resolved through constructive engagement, not acrimony.
Conclusion
The Delta APC, like any opposition party, has a choice: continue on its current path of disarray or rebuild itself as a formidable political force. Waiting for external salvation is futile. The task of organizing, strategizing, and acting rests with party members. In politics, power is never handed over; it is contested and won. If the Delta APC fails to unite and refocus, it risks permanent irrelevance. The time to build is now.
One says all the above in a manner akin to biblical John the Baptist, a loner who lived in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance and restoration. It is my ardent belief that APC needs repentance, forgiveness and restoration.
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