Is the ruling party becoming a haven for politically exposed persons?

As the ruling All Progressive Congress party continues to receive defectors from the troubled People’s Democratic Party, Nigerians should be concerned about the outcome of this development and the effect it will have on the anti-corruption posture of the party.

It’s an open secret that one of the factors which led to the acceptance and popularity of the APC amongst majority of Nigerians leading to the 2015 general elections is its stance against corruption. This principle was vigorously championed by President Muhammadu Buhari, who is known to be an anti-corruption scar.

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However, that the former administration under the leadership of Goodluck Jonathan stinks of corruption can’t be overemphasized, this was evident in the unraveled various economic crimes, perpetuated under the watch of the former president, by the current administration. In light of the foregoing, it’s easy to conclude that most of the actors in this heinous act are members of the former ruling party, PDP.

In pursuant to the fulfilment of his pre-election vow, Buhari hit the ground running with his fight against corruption, and in fairness to him, this has yielded some measure of success thus far. But, despite the relative successes, there still lingers a question about the credibility of Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign with some section of the public labelling it a witch-hunt, while some people are of the opinion that it’s an effort aimed at persecuting people loyal to the former president Goodluck Jonathan.

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Disappointingly, this notion was given credence by the wanton reluctance, or in some cases, deliberate refusal of the Buhari led government to prosecute certain individuals - especially members of his political party APC - who have corruption allegations hanging over their heads. This fact, sadly undisputable, has encouraged some politically exposed persons to seek refuge in the ruling party, APC.

Consequently, a number of ex-public office holders which include: governors, ministers, political appointees, chieftains and ordinary members of the once biggest political party in Africa, PDP, have defected to APC.

Although, some may argue that the infighting, factionalism and ceaseless court cases which have characterized the PDP in recent time are responsible for this mass exodus, that is an argument for another day. But the truth remains that, with the continued attempts by Mr. President to shield members of his party from prosecution thereby exonerating them, the ruling party has become a new stomping ground for the perceived corrupt elements.

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Even more disturbing is the news that Senators belonging to the APC are demanding that Mr. President should drop the prosecution of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Bureau and the investigation of some other party members in the hallow chamber.

If this request sails through, it will just be a confirmation of the notion that the Buhari administration is not actually fighting corruption but rather is on a vendetta mission against its political opponents.

Being that as it may, Nigerians should be vigilant now more than ever because the APC is looking like the new PDP.