APC Rejects One-Party State Claims, Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Pluralism…The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected growing concerns that the increasing number of defections into its ranks is a deliberate strategy to create a one-party state in Nigeria. The ruling party insists that it remains committed to upholding the country’s democratic structure and political plurality.
The concerns were sparked by a recent surge in defections from opposition parties such as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), with several high-profile politicians switching allegiance to the APC. Critics have warned that if the trend continues unchecked, Nigeria may find itself sliding toward a system dominated solely by one political party, which could jeopardize the nation’s democratic balance.
Addressing the issue, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka stated that while the party welcomes new members who believe in its policies and governance philosophy, it is not pursuing a plan to eliminate opposition or monopolize political power. He emphasized that Nigeria operates under a constitutionally mandated multi-party democracy, and any suggestion that the APC seeks to undermine that is both unfounded and misleading.
Morka explained that individuals across the political spectrum have chosen to join the APC of their own volition, drawn by the party’s performance and direction. According to him, it would be unfair to label such decisions as part of a conspiracy to weaken the democratic process. “Many of these people are coming in and saying, ‘We want to be part of the process. We want to identify with that process.’ There’s nothing wrong with that,” Morka said. He reiterated that the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act guarantee the operation of a multi-party system and that no legal or practical framework supports a drift toward a one-party state.
Nevertheless, the wave of defections has not gone unnoticed by opposition leaders. Former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, has openly criticized the ruling party, alleging that the defections are part of a broader agenda to erode opposition influence and tighten the APC’s grip on power. Wabara vowed that the PDP would resist any move to transform Nigeria into a political monolith. He stressed that a healthy democracy thrives on diversity of ideas and strong political competition.
Joining in the criticism, former acting Governor of Ekiti State, Tunji Odeyemi, expressed concerns that the continued weakening of opposition parties could leave Nigeria politically vulnerable. He warned that when a single party dominates the political space, it diminishes checks and balances and makes democratic institutions more susceptible to abuse. Odeyemi called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and protect the nation’s hard-earned democratic values.
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In response to these criticisms, APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru said that while the party is focused on consolidating its successes and expanding its base, it does not intend to eliminate opposition voices. He added that APC’s growth is a reflection of Nigerians’ confidence in its governance, not an attempt to silence dissent or manipulate the democratic process. Bashiru emphasized that democracy is best served when parties compete on the basis of ideas, performance, and vision—not fear or misinformation.
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the political landscape continues to shift, with parties strategizing to position themselves for electoral advantage. While defections are a familiar part of Nigerian politics, the intensity of the current wave has sparked renewed debate about the future of political competition in the country. The APC maintains that it respects Nigeria’s democratic structure and encourages healthy political rivalry, insisting that every party has the right to grow and attract new members.
In a democracy as young and complex as Nigeria’s, the importance of multiple political voices cannot be overstated. The APC’s leadership has pledged to support this pluralism, dismissing any narrative that suggests the party is working to establish itself as Nigeria’s sole political force. Instead, it calls on all parties to strengthen internal democracy and compete fairly in the interest of national development.
