As the 2011 general elections draw closer, political parties have started re-strategizing in a bid to win political offices. The Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), is not left out of the race. When PPA was born, it was seen by many as a ‘child’ of necessity, borne out of the need for a progressive organization where people who felt aggrieved with the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) could use as an alternative. Thus, it was not suprising when a good number of people moved with the former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu to the PPA.
As a relatively new party, not many people gave it much chance for survival. However, the 2007 general elections proved that the party was poised to be a force to reckon with, as it succeeded in winning two (Imo and Abia States) out of the five South-East states which were controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP). It also won one seat in the Senate and three seats in the House of Representatives.
The defections
The victory, however, was to be short-lived as the Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, who was elected on its platform, decamped to the PDP. He was to be later followed by Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, who defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) and later joined the PDP.
While many felt that the defections of these notable people from the party may lead to its collapse, the National Chariman of PPA, Larry Esin, thinks otherwise. In a telephone chat with the Daily Sun, he stated that though the party may have suffered some setbacks, it is set to bounce back.
“No, No, it is not true that the PPA has collapsed. Infact, as I am speaking to you, plans are in top gear to ensure that the party reclaims the seats it has lost. I am sure that you are aware that PPA will be fielding governorship candidates in all the states especially the South-East states.
Already, aspirants have started indicating interest in contesting for governorship positions. So, if the party was dead, on what platfrom will they be contesting?” he stated. When asked how that was going to be achieved, Esin stated that the party’s structures were still in place, and will be put in motion to enable the party recapture Abia and Imo states..
His words: “The party’s structures are still in place. Most of our memebrs are still active, and we have been having series of strategic meetings to put our house in order.”
The Abia State Chairman of the party, Chief Emeka Onuoha supports this stance. Though he admits that the task before the party is not easy, he believes that the PPA has a winning team and will do everything possible to win elections in 2011. “I won’t say that it is all rosy; but we are doing everything possible, including mobilizing even the intending members that are joining us,” he stated.
Towards 2011
With barely a few months to the beginning of the elections, PPA may soon become the ‘beautiful bride’ sought after by aspirants. Undaunted by the aborted merger talks between the PPA and the PDP, Esin told the Daily Sun that the party will go on with its plans to field aspirants at both the governorship and the presidential levels.
As if to confirm his statement, Kalu has declared his intention to vie for the presidency next year on the platform of the PPA and observers believe that his declaration will change the calculations of the South-East as regards presenting a candidate for the presidency. Not one to be daunted by obstacles, he will be setting the pace as the first South-easterner to be declaring for the exalted position after the South-east governors said they were not going to contest for the seat.
Following his footsteps, the former deputy governor of Abia State, Mr. Chris Akomas has also declared his intention to vie for the governorship position where he would have to contend with the incumbent who will be going for a second term.
Battle for Abia
For the incumbent, the support of the presidency, and national leadership of the PDP, and his control of the party machinery in the state may be a big boost.
But what may count against him is the crime rate in the state. The increase in the rate of kidnapping and armed robbery in the state has reportedly reached a worrisome stage.This may whittle down his chances, but boost the chances of Akomas and the PPA who many see as having all it takes to take back the state.
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