I still stand by two-party-system, says IBB

The Former Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, has said that the two-party-system remains the best option for Nigerian politics because it provides a choice for the people.
IBB stated that his suggestion about the practice of a two-party-system is gradually coming to fore in nation politics.

He made the disclosure at the weekend when he received the strategy and interparty affairs committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chaired by Professor Jerry Gana at his Uphill residence in Minna, Niger State.

“In 1999, when I was advocating for a two-party-system, some of my colleagues came to me asking why I am for a two-party-system; and I told them the good thing about it is that it provides a choice, which is the first essence of democracy,” he stated.

Babangida expressed his belief that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can rule for 60 years if they can put their house in order, adding that it is the only political party whose presence have been felt, known and accepted by the people in the country.
“PDP presence is felt not only in Abuja or Lagos but down to the lowest level. If you go to the grassroots, the ordinary man will talk about PDP. That is the asset the party has, and can use, to come back on board. Already, it is accepted and known – and all you have to do is to work on this,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the strategy and interparty affair committee, Professor Jerry Gana, called the former military leader a visionary who saw ahead of the politics of Nigeria by advocating for a two-party-system, adding, “if only Nigerians had accepted your move for a two party system, we would have gone far now; because, gradually, the nation is moving towards a two-party-system.”
Prof. Gana called on the All Progressives Congress led government to stop stampeding on the growth and development of political parties of the state, stressing on the need to allow a healthy opposition.

“In a democracy, it is healthy to allow political parties to develop. PDP is not a nuisance to the people, we are not a threat, we are very essential partner to government. We offer alternatives that will allow the peoples’ the right to choose. We want to be allowed to play a formidable opposition.”
He said that the PDP is ready and willing to take over government from those who do not have a clue on how to govern the nation.

Gana was accompanied by Ambassador Aminu Wali, Chief Raymond Dopesi, Chief Tom Ikimi, Engineer Jide Adeniji, Alhaji Mohammed Imam, Honorable Emeka Ihedioha, Professor Rufai Alkali, Abubakar Tanko, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu and members of the Niger state PDP executives.
The delegation presented a report of its recommendations of the committee to General Babangida.