Former aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other members of the opposition are applying, in droves, to join the PDP in an effort to have access to the party’s expanding machinery for the 2011 general elections.

Saturday Tribune’s investigation revealed that the recent setting up of an elders committee, headed by former Foreign Affairs Minister, Major Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, has provided impetus for such politicians, who want to capitalise on the ongoing reconciliation effort of the committee, to become relevant in the party.

The committee had been set up with terms of reference which include building on the reconciliation efforts of the PDP’s national leadership, speedy resolution of any misunderstanding that may still exist in states, encourage past and present political office holders to work harmoniously in the interest of the party and to create an atmosphere of peace and concord in the party.

It was understood that the committee, which regularly meets at the Legacy House in Abuja, has, since, been inundated with a deluge of requests by people who want access to the party, and now struggling to cope with the situation.

The governors of Zamfara State, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi and that of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda, elected under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), had already joined the PDP with their supporters, while Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State is said to be at the verge of dumping his Peoples Progressive Alliance ((PPA) to embrace the PDP.

Saturday Tribune found out that the major motivation is tickets for elected positions in the 2011 elections which would come only when they meet the requirement of, at least, two years membership of the party unless otherwise waived by the party executive of the level where they are contesting.

With less than two years to the elections, those who are not already members are now counting on such waiver to realise their ambitions when eventually accepted in the party.

“Everything is politics. They are aware that PDP is the only party capable of guaranteeing electoral victory in the country today. That is why they either want to come back or join from the small political parties,” a PDP source said.

However, the opposition has regretted the rush to the PDP, describing it as selfish and counterproductive to the desire to have a viable opposition in the country.

While the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) described the politicians as corrupt individuals in search of access to the nation’s wealth, the ANPP observed that their motivation was the need to ‘belong.’

Speaking to Saturday Tribune, the National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, remarked that the rampant defection to PDP was to put the politicians within touching distance of “oil money,” noting, “the PDP is the only supply-line.”

http://www.tribune.com.ng/18072009/news/news6.html

Cross carpeting is weaking whatever is left of the Nigerian democratic system

Where is their Ideology, what does this party stand for?

The PDP is not Ideological but a vehicle of convenience for some greedy people to steal oil money and deposit it in Western Banks. Its very unfortunate where this country is going to politically. If the party in Government could just accept these politcal orphans and destitutes without any procedural mode of re-acceptance. Its a shame.

A foolish idea

God help this country.
How can a party exist without ideology or aim or purpose?

it is more likely that by the next election 2011 will we have a new set of senators and House of reps members. So far Nigerian has about 500 senators and reps out of work collecting pension . What a drain.

Can someone tell me why we continue to indulge these pigs at the helm? It's disgusting in the least!

SapeleGuy:

Where is their Ideology, what does this party stand for?

crime pays?

I still blame us for not doing anything.

bawomolo:

crime pays?

Absolutely. In naija it pays

One party system cant happen in 9ja except the leaders want war

sley4life:

One party system cant happen in 9ja except the leaders want war

Are you kidding? Then go to war because what we have on ground is one party system.

sley4life:

One party system cant happen in 9ja except the leaders want war

Are you blind? cant you see it?

so no more opposition party, chai, Nigeria don finish
i think the best thing is disintegration,
if the FG can spend 68% of its resources on salaries and only 32% on capital projects.then it's a failed economy,

We already have a one party system, except in some states where people are a lil wiser and dont just vote like "mumu"

chic2pimp:

Absolutely. In naija it pays

it does. sani abacha has a stadium named after him.

that should tell you how much nigerians care.

Fhemmmy:

[size=14pt]We already have a one party system, except in some states where people are a lil wiser and dont just vote like "mumu" [/size]

Votes dont count in Nigeria, the party that rigs better wins, simple.