Ganduje Under Fire Over Controversial One-Party State Comment

By Abdullateef Aliyu (Lagos), Abbas Jimoh (Abuja) & Salim Umar Ibrahim (Kano)

APC Chairman’s Remarks Spark Nationwide Outcry

The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has drawn widespread criticism for suggesting Nigeria might benefit from becoming a one-party state. The controversial comments came during an interview with State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday.

Video credit to: Smart Media Channel

While Ganduje insisted the APC wasn’t actively pursuing a one-party system, he added: “If Nigerians gravitate en masse to the ruling party, we cannot quarrel with that.” His remarks referenced China’s political system and claimed that “too many political parties spoil governance.”

Opposition Parties and Civil Society React Strongly

NNPP: “Disregard for Democratic Principles”

In Kano, NNPP state chairman Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa condemned Ganduje’s statement as undemocratic: “A true democrat believes in participation, diversity of opinion, and the value of opposition. No country develops without viable opposition.”

CHRICED Warns of “Power Intoxication”

Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi of CHRICED called the comments “a symptom of political short-sightedness” and warned: “Any attempt to implement such a plan will be fought against by civil society with the last drop of our blood.”

Political Analyst Fagge Predicts Dictatorship

Professor Fagge cautioned that one-party rule would lead to political instability: “It’s a recipe for dictatorship. We’ve seen how this plays out in countries like Cameroon and Uganda where entrenched ruling parties have weakened democratic checks.”

Ethnic Organizations Join Criticism

Ohanaeze: “Nigeria Too Complex for One-Party Rule”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Ezechi Chukwu stated: “The constitution provides for multi-party democracy considering our pluralistic characteristics. Anything to undermine this is unhealthy for our democracy.”

Afenifere Warns of Potential Violence

Afenifere’s Prince Justice Faloye issued a stark warning: “If peaceful change becomes impossible, violent change becomes inevitable. No one-party state has ever avoided eventual revolt.”

Civil Society Organizations Sound Alarm

Yiaga Africa: “Sign of Authoritarianism”

Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa called the proposal “a warning sign of authoritarianism creeping into Nigeria’s political system” that would “limit political pluralism and weaken accountability.”

Labour Party: “Will Breed Tyranny”

LP’s Obiorah Ifoh stated: “Nigerians will not accept a one-party state. In 2027, they will speak with their votes—if those votes are allowed to count.”

The controversy emerges amid a wave of defections to the APC, including three Kebbi senators and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, fueling concerns about the ruling party’s growing dominance.

Credit: Daily Trust