ACCORDING to the Independent Electoral Commission, there are currently no less than 18 fully registered political parties in the country at the moment. But Alimosho is a microcosm of a one-party system, just as many other LGAs in Nigeria are.
The All Progressives Congress runs the show in Alimosho. The party has access to the political power of the local government, and rightfully so. The region's de facto one party system was reestablished after the APC won all available executive seats within the local government area in the previous LGA election. There are other political parties in existence, but the APC overshadows all the others.
The big puzzle: Why are the other political parties so unpopular? Is this as a result of the brilliant strategies or credibility of APC candidates? Or, are other political parties lacking the will and ideas to lead the local government area like the All Progressives Congress? Whatever the reason may be, this one party system is unhealthy for the Local Council Development Areas.
A one party system is largely undemocratic. It can be open to argument whether we are running a truly democratic government or not, but our local government is so monotonous in its policies. The government is totally subject to a single party's plans. This is not good for our democracy in Alimosho.
The fact that only one party runs Alimosho will obviously exclude a crop of exceptional politicians from being a part of the government. Truly, the APC has its own group of exceptional politicians too but variety is the spice of life. Just as there are capable leaders in one party, there will be in the other party. The synergy of contrasting and dissenting ideologies is a precursor to true development.
A one party system will most likely encourage corruption. This should not be so surprising. Our one party system in Alimosho lacks checks and balances, truth be told. There are no other LCDA chairpersons or councillors to bring balance to the political stance of our local authorities. The tendency is therefore there for the local government to protect unethical government officials along party lines.
Finally, when a single party perpetuates itself in power for too long and there are no alternatives over time, people become less concerned about what goes on in the LCDAs. This is why many Nigerians, and Alimosho residents, are so apathetic when it comes to politics and government.
The message: It is time for the other parties to wake up and reignite a healthy political contest for public office in Alimosho as a whole if we want to move forward. Alimosho is not supposed to be the paragon of a one party state.
We salute our APC leaders for their positive inputs, still, we hope this provokes the sleeping parties to wake up and get moving.
