Emmanuel Bello
Staging an award winning show today at the Eagle
square, Abuja, the PDP demonstrated to all and
sundry that she is still alive and, in a way,
recuperating well. The symbolism of her
resuscitation, against the backdrop of an ailing,
absentee leader of the ruling party, APC, was not
lost on anyone. The event itself was a celebration
of sorts: a celebration of life after the close to two
years of wilderness sojourn. The party boss, Alhaji
Ahmed Makarfi, was the man of the moment as
party loyalists fete to his leadership and
patriotism. And in some few meters away from the
Eagle square, venue of the convention, an imposing
lonely bill board had President Muhammadu
Buhari's unsmiling and scowling, hard visage
glowered as if rebuking the PDP crowd. But no one
noticed. It is the day of the PDP wants to make a
grand statement. For a moment, it seemed as if we
are back to late 2000's when the PDP was the
only gig in town.
I couldn't help but notice denizens of the party
who now look like a sect faithful united by
persecutions. An ex governor, who had been in and
out of the EFCC cells, languidly looked on, a wry
smile across his face. A harassed senator laughed
with colleagues as if she is recounting her ordeal.
Everywhere I turned, it seems these are people
united by griefs and the travails they went through
over the months since that sensational loss in
2015. I'm sure some of the party leaders would be
wondering how they got to where they are, playing
second fiddle. PDP was meant to rule for 60 or
more years. It was too big to fall. Its war chest
was such that no one could have challenged it.
The over confidence was overwhelming. And the
crash was excruciating.
But here it is today, almost a shadow of its former
self but putting on a bold face. Yes, on this
beautiful Saturday, the party once again tried to
relived its glory. The usual pomp, pageantry and
power show of the party was in full display. The
last time it had such an outing was years ago.
Today's event is apparently trying hard to ape the
days of glory with much success. The the
organisers must congratulate themselves. The
famous loud speakers and sound systems were
blaring. Powerful men in colourful regalia strut
around, replaying the hey days of the party.
Traditional dancers, security men, strong enforcers,
philanthropists - yes this is a PDP convention the
way we knew it.
Let me reiterate that as an attempt to stage a
resounding comeback, today's event was
successful. The opposition must be scratching its
head now wondering what to do. At the venue
itself, it was clear PDP is the main political party
to beat in the polity today. It is the place where
party men find fulfilment. Beautiful ladies in pretty
clothes waltzed around in what is a drawback to
the days PDP was indeed power. Men in white and
great hats and other regalia moved around,
negotiating. You knew you were in the midst of
magicians and men who understand the brokerage
of power.
Today event also helped in bringing much of the
power and presence, almost eroded by the ruling
party, back. Former President Goodluck Jonathan,
like a resurrected prophet, predicted that PDP
would take over. This confident pronouncement
was re echoed by the swashbuckling governor of
Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose who made official his
ambition to run for President. It was both
declaration and a warning to the APC that the
people's party is back. Back and better.
Bello, a former commissioner of information, is the
current SSA public affairs to Gov. Darius Ishaku.
