The big boss of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is in hot water for saying the party is cool with Nigeria becoming a one-party state. In an interview after chilling with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ganduje said the APC ain’t exactly chasing a one-party system, but if everyone flocks to their party, they won’t complain. He said, “Leaders who are freaking out about a one-party state can chill. It’s not like a must-have; it’s more like a let’s-talk-about-it situation. If other parties see how awesome we are and decide to join us, we’re cool with that.”
He also ranted about how having many parties messes up governance. He said, “Look at China, they’re killing it with a one-party system. We’re not saying we want that, but if that’s what Nigerians want, we won’t throw a fit. They say too many cooks spoil the soup; too many political parties spoil governance.”
Ganduje’s words came at a time when peeps are jumping ship to the APC, like Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki, who hopped on the APC train after meeting with Tinubu. The opposition has been taking hits lately with the defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other state officials and lawmakers joining the APC. Even some National Assembly peeps have switched sides, sparking fears that the APC is low-key pushing for a one-party state.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan threw shade at the idea, warning that any move to create a one-party state for personal gain would mess up the country. But despite the denials from the presidency and APC bigwigs about wanting a one-party setup, Ganduje’s latest talk has peeps thinking they might be using state resources to crush the opposition on the down-low.
Opposition parties, civil society groups, and pro-democracy peeps aren’t feeling Ganduje’s vibe. They’re calling out attempts to stifle political diversity and democracy. The state chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, said Ganduje’s talk shows he’s not really about that democracy life. He said, “When someone in power ignores other parties, it’s a red flag. Democracy is about everyone having a say, not just one party calling the shots.”
He called on Ganduje to take back his words, coz most Nigerians aren’t down with what he’s saying. The Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said Ganduje’s chat with the APC chairman paints a grim picture for Nigeria’s democracy and could be a sign of shady plans for the 2027 elections.
He said, “Thinking about a one-party state after being in the opposition for so long is a bad move. It shows a lack of vision and a thirst for power.” He warned that civil society won’t stand for it, saying they’d fight against any attempt to make it happen.
A political analyst in Kano, Professor, also threw in his two cents, saying a one-party system, whether legal or dominant, is bad news for Nigeria’s democracy. He explained how it limits electoral choices and could lead to political instability and public distrust in the system.
Peeps from Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Afenifere also slammed the idea of a one-party state, saying it goes against Nigeria’s constitution and democratic values. They called for stronger opposition and democratic structures to keep the system in check.
Samson Itodo, the big cheese at Yiaga Africa, said the push for a one-party state shows signs of authoritarianism creeping into Nigeria’s political scene. He said competition is key for democracy to thrive, and removing that would only weaken the system.
The Labour Party also called out the move towards a one-party system, saying it’s undemocratic and breeds tyranny. They criticized governors who ditch their parties for personal gain and urged Nigerians to use their votes wisely in the future.
