VC decries dearth of ideology in party politics in Nigeria

The Vice-Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Prof. Sagir Adamu-Abbas, says one of the key challenges of political parties in Nigeria is poverty of ideology.

Adamu-Abbas stated this at a public lecture on the sixth edition of the annual Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) day, to mark its 72nd Anniversary (1950-2022), on Monday in Kano.

The lecture was organised by the Aminu Kano Center for Democratic Studies, Bayero University, Kano, with theme: “Party Politics and Electoral Violence in Nigeria.”

The VC was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Sani Mohammed-Gumel.

“It is very apt and topical in view of the fact that most political parties today are bereft of ideologies and articulated programmes.

“Unlike NEPU, the present political parties are neither defined by ideologies, nor are they supreme in organisational terms.

“One of the key challenges of party politics in Nigeria is poverty of ideology.

“Currently, the only purpose of political parties appears to be the nomination of candidates for elections. Politicians join parties to secure party tickets by all means,” he said.

He said that NEPU was formed on Aug. 8,1950, with objective of waging a determined war against colonialism and pursued the entrenchment of democracy as a way of life.

Others, he said, were raising the level of consciousness of the poor (Talakawas), to recognise their worth and fight human dignity, freedom of speech, association, movement, assembly and action within the law.

“No doubt, the story of NEPU is another proof that there is a lot of inspiration that could be drawn from history in order to squarely face the political challenges of our present time and the future.

“I urge all compatriots to say “No” to electoral violence and “a big ”No” to bad governance,” Adamu-Abbas said.

“Let us remember that the people’s power is enormous in democracy.

”That power can only be legitimately exercised through peaceful, credible, free and fair elections,” he said.

Another lecture was presented by the Director, Centre for Democratic Development, Research and Training, Zaria, Prof. Abubakar Siddique-Mohammed.

Siddique-Mohammed urged the government to intensify efforts in addressing security challenges before the 2023 General Elections, to enable the citizens exercise their civic rights.

He further urged Nigerians to shun electoral violence and elect credible candidates who have the capacity of moving the country forward.