By Remi Adefulu
Jude Idimogu is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and represents Oshodi/Isolo II Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly. He speaks on a variety of issues, including how he copes in the All Progressives Congress (APC) dominated legislature.
What is your view on the state of the PDP in view of recent developments?
For now I will say that our party is sick and we are trying to cure it. It’s like a child or business that has always been successful but suddenly falling sick. It will take a while to get back on his feet. Members have enjoyed all the good things that comes with being part of the ruling party and when they least expected, the party failed. Today, the money is no longer forthcoming and those juicy appointments are no longer there, that is why we now have factions. Everybody is on his own right now. Besides, the courts are also not helping matters. When a judge gives a judgment, another will counter. You don’t even know who to obey.
Meanwhile, no appellate court has delivered judgment on the issue. For me, it is a shock. It will take a while to overcome. There is no solid leadership without funding. The kind of politics we play is the type where everyone wants to be part of the ruling party which sometimes make me ask whether we are in a one-party system. Even those you expect to join in forming a formidable opposition have joined the ruling party.
Are you not disappointed that some PDP members defected instead of staying with the party?
I am disappointed. Though sometimes, I ask myself what is the next line of action. Do I stay? Do I move? Politics is a matter of interest all over the world, but I think here, personal interests override every other interests. That is the problem we have. If the public interest overrides personal interest, you must have a very strong opposition party, at least. The ruling party was once in the opposition and they stayed together to emerge as the ruling party. When you are ill, it takes a while to get healed. Remember, the ruling party will want to retain power. They will do all things possible to do this directly or indirectly. We are expecting court judgment, and we don’t know what may happen. The two factions can even come together to share positions. The sooner they come together, the better for them because election will hold in the next two years.
Do you think the PDP will get over these challenges?
PDP will, but it will take a while. It’s like a successful person may be in government. If you lose your job, within one year, you may not get over it. The party needs the founding fathers, and the finance to fund it. For me, the PDP will come out stronger. It may not be in 2019. It may be through a merger and the merger may change the name of the PDP. But who is ready to put his money and time into the party?
How do you think the crisis has impacted on elected PDP members?
Sometimes, it might make you not to have a say where the ruling party is. We are supposed to have experienced members of the party coming around to support us, but they are not forthcoming because the party is factionalized. If you go to one camp, they will say why are you here? Even if you have a gift to give members, the cost will increase because you have to give A and B. It’s not right. For me, it’s not ideal, but the truth is that, that is the situation now.
The APC promised Nigerians a lot, how would you rate the party?
You know, it’s easier said than done. Even me, the things I promised my constituents, have I done them? I have not done all because the resources are not there. The same thing is affecting the ruling party. When you are campaigning, you want to grab power. It’s like a man ‘toasting’ a girl who promises her what she wants to hear. APC have not met the expectations of Nigerians, but there is hope and there are areas where I will give them kudos. For instance in the area of security, the president has done well. However, sometimes when you set a time frame, it puts you under pressure. Unfortunately, for the ruling party, our revenue is not good enough for now, but thank God oil price is beginning to move up gradually. No matter how well you plan, if there is no money, you cannot achieve much. I will continue supporting the ruling party because if I do not support them, I will be doing myself a disservice.
The APC is trying to make an in-road into the south-east, how do you see this?
Naturally, if you want to be a national party, you also want to bring people who don’t belong your party into it. If you also want to consolidate, of course, you want to woo other tribes. I think that is what a right thinking party and leadership should do. Don’t make it a party of a particular region. Ifeanyi Uba recently joined the APC, because he would want to protect his business interest. At least it will give him a soft landing even if there are issues. When you are in the opposition in Nigeria, you are like an enemy and I don’t think it should be like that. That is why if you lose out, you want to cross carpet. Let’s work for the interest of the state and the interest of the citizens.
What has been you experience as a member of the opposition in the Lagos Assembly?
We are in the opposition but the leadership of this House has not emphasised party affiliation. This is an Assembly that wants to render service. We are working with the executive to make dividends of democracy is delivered to Lagosians. Minority will have their say and the majority will have their way. We work like a team that wants to win.
Is it true that some of you are planning to move to the APC?
It could be true. It depends on what someone wants to achieve. That I have a cordial relationship does not mean I have crossed over to the APC. I need a cordial relationship for me to have a smooth ride in the system. In Nigerian politics, if you are in the opposition, they look at you like an enemy. Every politician has an agenda. You should also think about what your future in your current party is. People have accused me of wanting to defect, but as I speak, I have not crossed. I don’t think any of our members has crossed. Even if they are going to cross, it will take a while, but we are open for discussion.
Does the PDP has a future in Lagos?
We might still have some constituencies that can produce PDP candidates, but taking over governorship in Lagos State is going is impossible now. Look at the organization of the APC and see what they are doing.
If you are seeing all these factors how can you now dream that PDP will take over in Lagos in 2019? It will be difficult.