Ganduje Under Fire Over One-Party State Comment
By Abdullateef Aliyu (Lagos), Abbas Jimoh (Abuja) & Salim Umar Ibrahim (Kano)
Opposition, Civil Society Groups Condemn APC Chairman’s Remarks
The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has sparked widespread criticism following his controversial comments suggesting Nigeria could transition to a one-party state.
Video credit to: Independent Television and Radio
Ganduje’s Controversial Statement
Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Ganduje claimed:
“A one-party state is not by force; it is by negotiation. If other parties see the effect of our positive governance and decide to join willingly, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
The APC chairman cited China’s one-party system as an example of strong governance, adding that “too many political parties spoil governance.”
Wave of Defections Fuels Concerns
Ganduje’s remarks come amid a surge of defections to the APC, including:
- Three Kebbi senators
- Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori
- Former PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa
- Numerous National Assembly members
These developments have raised alarms about potential efforts to undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
Strong Reactions From Across Nigeria
NNPP: “Disregard for Democratic Principles”
Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, NNPP chairman in Kano, stated:
“No country develops without viable opposition. The democracies we admire—like Britain and America—don’t operate one-party systems.”
CHRICED: “Power Intoxication”
Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi of CHRICED warned:
“If PDP had pursued this agenda, there would be no APC today. Any attempt will be fiercely resisted by civil society.”
Political Analyst: “Recipe for Dictatorship”
A political analyst cautioned:
“One-party rule denies electoral choice and breeds instability. We saw this in Nigeria’s Second Republic.”
Ohanaeze: “Nigeria Too Complex”
Ezechi Chukwu of Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized:
“Our constitution provides for multi-party democracy. Anything contrary jeopardizes our political foundations.”
Afenifere: “Will Provoke Resistance”
Prince Justice Faloye of Afenifere warned:
“If peaceful change becomes impossible, violent change becomes inevitable.”
Yiaga Africa: “Sign of Authoritarianism”
Samson Itodo stated:
“Political competition is vital for democracy. Even weak opposition is better than none.”
Labour Party: “Breed Tyranny”
LP’s Obiorah Ifoh criticized:
“The political class prioritizes survival over principles. Nigerians won’t accept a one-party state.”
Conclusion
The widespread condemnation highlights growing concerns about preserving Nigeria’s democratic institutions amid increasing political consolidation by the ruling party.