ACN is a one-man party, CPC believes in violence- Olisa Metuh

 The PDP spokesman said even if all the opposition parties merge, they cannot defeat the ruling party.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olisa Metuh, has described recent moves by major opposition political parties to merge ahead of the 2015 election as difficult to achieve owing to their ownership and ideology.

Mr. Metuh added that the move is a welcome development capable of enhancing the growth of Nigeria’s democracy.

In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES in his office, Wednesday, the PDP spokesperson said: “We have a political party (ACN) that is controlled by one man, and the other one (CPC) believes in violence, and religious politics.

“We don’t see the two of them coming together to form an opposition to PDP, but we welcome it and we are happy with it, we believe that it will deepen democracy in Nigeria”.

Mr. Metuh said his party welcomes a vibrant opposition that can engage it on issues rather than using violence or religion.

“A vibrant opposition will enable our elected or appointed representatives to sit up and work for the people,” he said.

Mr. Metuh however said even if all the opposition parties in Nigeria merged into one, they cannot beat the PDP.

The PDP spokesperson also spoke about the different positions taken by the party’s NWC and its candidates in Edo and Ondo states where the party lost in the governorship election held recently.

Mr. Metuh said it is “OK” for the candidates to challenge those elections in spite of the fact that the party at the national level has accepted defeat and congratulated the winners.

He also admitted that the relationship between President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly is “not perfect,” and “shouldn’t be” because the principle of separation of powers does not allow for such.

The ruling party’s spokesperson also spoke about the PDP crisis in Adamawa, by playing glowing tribute to the judiciary for “doing the right thing” and also commended the Taraba State House of Assembly for passing a resolution clearing Deputy Governor Garba Umar to serve as acting governor.

Mr. Metuh also said the doors of the party are always open to former members to return irrespective of whether they are being investigated or prosecuted because “they have not yet been convicted.”

PREMIUM TIMES will, beginning Thursday,  run a series on the interview with Mr. Metuh where he speaks about a wide range of issues.