The Oyo State branch of Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) has totally rejected false narrative that the recently concluded Ibadan North Federal Constituency By-election represents a triumph for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or a validation of the so-called pro-people approach of the Makinde-led government in the state.
SPN said the election once again was a clear demonstration of disappointment of ordinary people in the failure of the pro-capitalist politicians including governor Makinde to use human and material resources of the state for the benefit of the majority.
A statement by Secretary of SPN in the state, Ayodeji Adigun noted that with less than 14% of the over 217,980 registered voters turning out, the result reflects not enthusiasm for PDP, but collapse of trust in the system as a whole.
According to SPN, despite widespread allegations of vote buying, the PDP candidate could not secure more than 18,404 votes, adding that when compared to the huge number of registered voters who boycotted the poll, it is clear that PDP didn’t commands a genuine mass support.
“This suggests that the initial popularity once enjoyed by Governor Seyi Makinde among a layer of the working people—though driven by propaganda and populist programmes—has now worn thin.
“The erosion of confidence in the Makinde administration is largely a direct result of its anti-people policies, designed to satisfy the self-serving interests of the elite rather than the working masses.
“The recent decision to renovate the government house at a staggering cost of 64 billion naira, which was met with widespread criticism and condemnation from the working people, is a glaring example of the regime’s misplaced priorities.
“The act of lavishing such a huge sum on a project that benefits only the privileged few, while neglecting the pressing needs of the working people, is a clear indication that the Makinde-led government, like every other capitalist government at the state and federal level, cannot be trusted to satisfy the interests of the working masses on a sustainable basis.
“It is in this light that we conclude the so-called victory of the PDP is hollow. It does not signify a growing support for the party but instead reveals the vacuum of credible alternatives available to the masses.
“The election also confirms the continuing collapse of confidence in capitalist democracy—a system that has nothing to offer working people beyond broken promises, deepening inequality, and endless suffering.
“However, without an independent working-class political alternative rejecting the capitalist parties will only result in wasted anger and frustration, expressed in apathy while the capitalist elite tighten their grip on power.
“It is in this context that the SPN reiterates its age-long call on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), pro-masses organisations and left parties to immediately take bold steps to initiate and lead the process of forming a genuine mass party of the working people.
“Such a party, armed with socialist programmes and prepared to challenge the ruling class on all fronts, is urgently needed.
“Only a government formed by this kind of political party can ensure that the wealth of society, which is collectively owned, is democratically managed in the interest of all, and directed towards building a future of equality, justice, and true democracy.”