TD“Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed.” – Abraham Lincoln
One of the fundamental functions of a political party, besides presenting candidates to contest in an election, is to express cum defend the interest of the people, its members.
It is to always prioritise the sentiments of its members.
Thus, the internal democracy of any political party hinges on the unreserved willingness and unwavering courage of its leadership to show commitment in this regard.
The inaugural national convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday, 9th May, witnessed what we may describe as unprecedented milestone in the history of recent national party conventions.
- No succumbing to expected pressures;
- No giving in to intimidations;
- No falling for probable irresistible financial inducements from supposed quarters.
The leadership of NDC proved in deeds that theirs is truly and unavoidably ‘service to the people’, the Nigerian peoples.
And it came timely!
At a time when many, not several, Nigerians are deeply concerned about national fairness, unity and political inclusion, the decision of the NDC to zone its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria has profoundly resonated with most Nigerians.
It was widely interpreted as a bold act of political sensitivity and statesmanship.
In a country where balancing regional sentiments remains critical to peace and stability, this resolution signaled an unbiased willingness to place equity above individual ambitions.
For many critical observers, this move by NDC stands in sharp contrast with the hesitations, internal calculations and back and forth that have surrounded the zoning debate within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
NDC just engendered a beautiful turning point and a refreshing hope…!
Political parties do not merely contest elections, they also communicate values.
When a party chooses fairness over personal ambitions… when a party chooses equity over greed, it earns moral credibility for the electorate.
In a heterogeneous societies like Nigeria, equity is not a luxury, it is a necessity for peace, trust, and national cohesion.
Zoning, therefore, is not weakness, it is statesmanship; it is a tool for national unity.
Political parties, ideally earn legitimately when they choose national interest over individual ambition.
And a democracy that places personal ambition above public good weakens its own foundation, and in just a matter of time, will fall under its own weight.
This is the stead in the Nigerian state: unbridled greed, selfcentredness and suppression of the will of the people, thinking more about the next election and far less of the next generation.
Last Saturday, 9th May, at the NDC Convention, principle defeated personal interest.
The implication is simple: come 2027, Nigeria is OK! And a new Nigeria is POssible!
Henry writes for PO Express Media (POEM).
No propaganda! No slander! Just facts! Stay with truth.
