CPC and 2011 : Crisis of popularity ?

The forecast indicates that the fragmentation of the PDP as a result of the zoning palaver will be more severe in those northern states where the governors in particular have sold out to the pro-Goodluck Jonathan presidential bid and a massive protest exodus from the PDP will definitely be to the exclusive benefit of the […]

The forecast indicates that the fragmentation of the PDP as a result of the zoning palaver will be more severe in those northern states where the governors in particular have sold out to the pro-Goodluck Jonathan presidential bid and a massive protest exodus from the PDP will definitely be to the exclusive benefit of the CPC.
Indeed, the recent defection of prominent PDP leaders to the  CPC in Katsina State is seen as a political death sentence  to the seeming supremacy of the PDP in that state which will  be witnessed in several other states.
This is not to suggest that the CPC cannot on its own,  muster the political support to dethrone the PDP in some states and become the second best in others. The decision of  General Buhari to finally disengage his political movement from the ANPP and launch his own political party to further his political agenda to lead Nigeria and promote a new political culture of decency, transparency and good  governance is definitely a good move. The General’s mass followership, especially among the youths, urban and rural  populace in the North, now stands a better chance of being  transformed into a dynamic political movement that can  capture votes and install governments. In several ways therefore, the CPC can be considered the party of choice for many politically conscious Northerners who have been disillusioned and frustrated by the lack of internal democracy in the PDP and the decadence of the ANPP.

Recent survey of the political arena in the North confirms that General Buhari’s populist appeal has catapulted the  CPC to the forefront of partisan politics within the few  months of its launch, thereby posing a formidable  challenge to the dominance of the PDP. The General too has  been quite active in leading campaign tours all over the  region and encouraging increased interest and participation in the CPC while at the same time, steering clear of the  problematic politics of zoning and mergers which could   undermine the party. A direct consequence of all these  activities is the emergence of several prominent aspirants from all over the region keenly interested in seeking  various political offices under the platform of the CPC.
As the 2011 elections approaches however, there are indications that the boost in followership and the entry of  several new comers with political ambitions may not necessarily create the much expected smooth sail to political power for the CPC. The party is currently witnessing what can best be described as a crisis of popularity within its swollen ranks and it is yet to be seen whether General Buhari has the political sagacity to manage the situation before it really gets out of hand. What is quite clear is that the CPC is no longer the tight-knit collective of so-called Buhari faithfuls under the Buhari Organization whose unflinching loyalty to the General eliminated any potential crisis, except of course, when they all had to migrate to the ANPP to contest elections whose members were not always willing to concede to “latter day joiners”.
It is increasingly evident that General Buhari’s  leadership of the CPC is being carried away by the mass influx of new supporters to the detriment of the recognition and endorsement which the long-standing Buhari loyalists  demand and deserve in the determination of political strategy. In many supposedly strong CPC states in the north,  there is a palpable concern, if not alarm, that the  attention of General Buhari has been captured by the politically ambitious, newcomers whose interest to secure CPC’s ticket to contest elections far outweighs loyalty to  his personality or principles. It is an embarrassing irony that in some states, certain characters with credibility deficits that the General abhors, have nonetheless wormed their way into favourable consideration for his endorsement to the dismay of long-standing loyalists.
The real challenge facing General Buhari and the CPC leadership today is therefore, not even the 2011 elections but whether the cohesion and solidarity that characterized the Buhari Organization can insulate the CPC from being ambushed and hijacked by politicians from especially the PDP whose cash-and-carry style of politics will certainly threaten the survival of the CPC as originally conceived. It is still not clear whether General Buhari and his political advisers are sensitized about the ominous implications of giving newcomers priority consideration for clinching the party’s ticket to contest elections solely because they claim to have the money to capture votes. If this dangerous seed is allowed to germinate, the CPC will most certainly find itself consumed by internal crises occasioned by hate and frustration; this will leave many wondering whether the influx of newcomers is not actually a sponsored invasion by hostile interests to cripple the CPC.

The expectations of the majority of concerned members of the  CPC who still cherish the founding principles of credibility, transparency, accountability and clean record that General Buhari himself preached and practiced to their admiration, is that the party leadership will be circumspect and meticulous in fielding candidates for the 2011 elections in order to protect and preserve the distinguishing qualities associated with the Buhari Movement. The Movement’s attraction as a credible opposition and alternative to the PDP and even General Buhari’s sincerity as its uncompromising leader will be questionable if the CPC becomes a haven for the PDP alumni now hovering over it like birds of prey. It will be disappointing and suicidal for the  CPC to willingly surrender its popular mandate and support to the blind ambition of dubiously wealthy newcomers. Buhari and his supporters know this very well since it has happened to them after the 2007 elections in a state in the north east zone. CPC will end up as a mere political subsidiary of the PDP. God forbid!
Mamman Baure, Dandalin Siyasa, Zaria Road, Funtua, Katsina State.