Abuja: Former Nigerian Ambassador to Chad, Abdullah Omaki, has expressed concerns over the absence of functional and distinct ideologies among most political parties in Nigeria. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Omaki emphasized the need for political parties to serve as ‘schools of public leadership’ by effectively using their manifestos to influence government policies and programs.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Omaki highlighted that elected officials are expected to implement their party’s manifesto, thereby delivering democratic dividends to citizens. He noted that the performance of these officials is often linked to their political parties, as they are anticipated to operate within established party frameworks. Omaki stressed that the achievements of the officials would enable the public to assess and judge the party’s performance in subsequent elections.
Omaki, who founded the Abdullahi Omaki Community Peace Initiative Network, criticized the nature of political rallies in Nigeria, pointing out that they seldom focus on policy issues. Instead, rallies tend to be centered around praising individuals for their past actions or inactions. Omaki warned that if this trend continues, smaller countries in the subregion might soon surpass Nigeria in governance and coordination.
Comparing the current political system with that of the Second Republic, Omaki noted that in the past, stronger party leadership ensured elected officials adhered to party decisions. He explained that during that era, presidents and governors were subject to the dictates of their respective parties. However, he lamented that today, governors and the president are regarded as the leaders of their state and federal parties, respectively, which he believes complicates the separation of powers.
Omaki concluded by advocating for a clearer separation of powers to restore discipline and balance within Nigeria’s political system.