Iyasere: PDP should present its best candidates for 2023 polls, says Ogbeide-Ihama has demonstrated loyalty to party

Prince Francis Omo-Osunde Iyasere was former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State. An ex-executive member of the party in the south-south zone, Iyasere, in this interview, speaks on a number of issues ahead of the 2023 general elections. He justifies the amendment of the Electoral Act, saying it is victory for democracy and a step in the right direction towards achieving free and fair elections in Nigeria. The interview, nonetheless, started with a departure and ended with an arrival, short and sharp like the Angel’s visit…

Que: What is your take on the amended Electoral Act and how do you think it can impact the electoral process in Nigeria?

Ans: The much-talked-about electoral reform bill has been signed into law by the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, some days back. For me, this attracts my commendation and I am looking forward to a robust implementation of the act by (INEC). Due to the introduction of this act, elections in Nigeria can be adjudged to be getting much better than it was If INEC will be ready to play by the rules. Therefore, Political Parties, particularly my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be prepared to field its first eleven, because we may not get away with presenting mediocrists to the electorate, moreso now that they know that their votes would count.

Que: What do you expect from the 2023 general election?

Advertisement

Ans: The 2023 general election is one election that may decide Nigeria’s future, due to the decadence and uncertainties facing the nation and Nigerians. We need tested and selfless people to be given leadership responsibilities.
It is pertinent to state here that such individuals can not be easily picked from the outside but rather from the inside. The question which therefore comes to mind is what are the criteria for choosing those suitable individuals?

Que: So, in your estimation, what are the criteria for choosing the next crops of political leaders?

Ans: It is quite simple. For example, it is very easy to assess those representing us at every level, by reviewing the impact of their representation in their constituencies. For example, in Oredo, my federal constituency, our representative, Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama has demonstrated his love and passion for education by organizing world-class educational and cultural events for our children which is a critical element in molding a strong, dependable, and intelligent society. It is also worthy of mention, his passion for assisting financially individual and families who cannot afford to send their brilliant children to school. I know of so many that Hon Ogbeide-Ihama has put on his scholarship programme without making noise about it. This gesture can best be described as human capital development which is the key component of democracy. It must be noted that there are others like Hon Ogbeide-Ihama across the State that could be rewarded with a promotion. Such promotion would serve as an encouragement for others to also perform while in office.

Que: The national assembly rejected the section which would have stopped the defection of politicians mid-way into their tenure as elected representatives. What is your take on this?

Ans: The refusal by the national assembly to outlaw in the ongoing constitutional amendment the unwarranted defections from one political party to another is a sad one. The Peoples Democratic Party must roll up its sleeves to look at those who have displayed loyalty to the party in the selection of those to fly the ticket of the Party in the next general elections because the Party cannot afford to give its platform to non-committed and disloyal individuals.
As I said earlier, Hon Ogbeide-Ihama has been one of the PDP loyalists in Edo State; he demonstrated it when our dear Governor decided to run on the platform of the PDP, even when he was the man to beat in the governorship primary, based on reports from the field across the State. He resisted all entreaties from the fifth columnist to be a hindrance to the realization of Godwin Obaseki’s dream in the PDP. This singular act is worthy of my commendation always and a testimony of his unalloyed loyalty to the party and its leadership.
There are so many of his kind across Edo State that also need to be encouraged. I am only concerned with Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama because he is from my constituency and I have assessed him and found him to be a silent performer, a staunch party loyalist of selfless disposition, a lover of child education. The uncommon feats of Hon Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama as enumerated above may have informed the decision of the Oredo PDP executive committee to canvass for a promotion for him in the forthcoming general elections and I can agree with them because such would also serve as a booster for more performance. (Source:Wawareporters with some edits)