Dan Atori, Minna
Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, on Wednesday, declared his intention to contest the 2015 presidential election.
Aliyu stated this when he hosted delegates of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Minna.
“I always prepare myself for any eventuality. I have never declared for anything. I didn’t declare to be governor, I was called upon. So if it comes, if my people call me, I won’t hesitate to contest.”
He also called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be opened towards opposition, stressing that a one-party state is undemocratic while a multiple party state encourages healthy competition and enables the people to choose the best.
“Every ruling party wants to be a one-party state. I encourage a multiple party system so that there will be peer review and the people will have choices of ideology and style. We need to show people the difference of what is to be done and how we can run the affairs of governance.
“A one party state is undemocratic as it makes one to want to crush another over a little disagreement.”
The governor also condemned the undemocratic forces active in Rivers State where people are restricted from having meetings or gatherings, stressing that it should not be allowed to continue.
“Undemocratic forces are very active in Rivers State. People cannot meet or gather for activities. Even during the military era, people were still allowed to meet. This has already happened and if we allow it to continue, it will ruin the peace in the country.”
Earlier, the leader of CNPP, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, said they were in the state for their annual conference, saying that the CNPP is not an opposition party but an umbrella of smaller political parties and political organisations.
