Tinubu, Okpebholo Have Nothing To Offer The People – Imasogie

By Bassey Bassey

Etose Dickson Imasogie, an unrepentant chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently spoke on state and national issues as they relate to current socio-economic and political climate in the country; and stoutly criticized the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), both at the national and state levels. He highlighted the harsh economic conditions that Nigerians are facing, stating that the APC, President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo have failed to deliver on their campaign promises, leading to increased poverty and corruption.

An Excerpt of the interview:

Sir, the 2027 general election is fast approaching; as a staunch politician, what are your perspectives on this?

Under this APC administration, the constitution is no longer respected. Back when the PDP was in power, the judiciary’s role was to interpret the laws of the country through the courts. But since the APC’s administration came on board, laws are not being obeyed, and we are seeing conflicting judgments everywhere. There is a complete disregard for the rule of law and our constitution. Take the Rivers State crisis, for example, the judiciary was supposed to adjudicate and determine whether the president has the power to declare a state of emergency and suspend an elected governor. Instead of correcting the anomaly and invalidating the illegitimate voice vote by the Senate, the Supreme Court failed to act. The country is sick.

Can you give us an update on the state of the PDP at the moment?

The situation in the PDP is not unique; other parties are also experiencing internal issues. The FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, is a major factor in the PDP crisis, particularly with his comments after he had a disagreement with H.E. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. A true party faithful would not have gone to such lengths to destabilize the party. However, we are confident that decisions will be made at the upcoming state congress, led by our chairman, Hon. Tony Aziegbemi.

Are you saying that the PDP is united at the local government and state executive levels?

The media has documented cases where elected PDP councilors were removed from office, but the judiciary stopped the hand-picked replacements. Unfortunately, the APC disobeyed the court order. But despite these challenges, I can assure you that our unity remains intact.

As a member of the PDP, how do you have such a deep understanding of the problems within the APC?

Who among the current APC leaders did not originate from the PDP? Even my 17th child is a super leader in the APC. Look at Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Hon. Odubu, Hon. Agbabaku, the present speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Samson Osagie, and many other leaders of the APC, —they all have their roots in the PDP. This gives me an adequate and firsthand knowledge of the APC.

The new party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), poses a significant political challenge, with heavyweights from various parties defecting to it. Do you see them as a major threat to the PDP’s goal of taking power from the APC come 2027?

When this coalition began, some politicians in the PDP were aware of it, even those who had betrayed the PDP before. The most important thing for us is to see the end of this current government. They have subjected poor Nigerians to untold economic hardship, and they have to go. That’s what unites us.

Considering the current situation, if elections were to be held today, do you believe your party stands a chance?

Yes. What we are focused on right now is the social well-being of the poor Nigerian masses. The collective desire of Nigerians is to see this “useless” APC government leave.

Would you expect a free and fair election in 2027 if it were to be held today?

If the 2027 elections are fraudulently conducted the same way the 2023 elections were, I’m afraid there may be a problem in Nigeria. The next election will define and determine the country’s direction. It won’t be APC versus PDP or APC versus ADC; it will be APC versus the Nigerian masses. Go around and interview people, and you will be shocked by the level of anger and hunger in the land.

Last Friday, a court ruled that the state councillorship election should not be held, but the election surprisingly went ahead as earlier scheduled. As an astute politician, do you believe this election will stand, given the injunction placed by the court?

No, it will not stand. They used a “kangaroo system” to conduct that election because the court had already ruled against it. My own product is the state attorney general and commissioner for justice; let’s see if this will stand against the rule of law. They have been replacing those who went against the elected PDP officials, and now they are doing the same with a court order. There is a serious problem with the APC government at both the national and state levels.

What is your advice to Nigerians, given the current socio-economic and political situation?

My advice to them is to compare the past PDP government with the current APC administration. The PDP may not have been perfect, but they should make an informed decision about the direction they want the country to go.