Claims of Nigeria Becoming One-Party State Inaccurate — APC

Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has rejected suggestions that the country is gradually drifting into a one-party system, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic framework remains pluralistic and competitive.

The party’s National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, clarified on Wednesday during an interview on Arise TV, where he argued that allegations of political dominance by a single party are not supported by evidence.

Basiru maintained that Nigeria’s large population and vibrant political landscape naturally produce differing opinions, warning that emotionally driven commentary should not be mistaken for factual analysis.

“Nigeria has a population of about 200 million people, and the APC currently attracts the largest share of political support,” Basiru said. 

“But isolated opinions expressed in anger or sentiment cannot be presented as the position of the entire country.”

Furthermore, he urged critics to avoid undermining democratic institutions without credible proof, stressing that responsible public discourse is essential to sustaining the country’s democratic order.

Basiru also pointed to the country’s active media environment as proof that democratic freedoms remain firmly in place. 

According to him, widespread criticism of government policies in the media demonstrates that Nigerians continue to exercise freedom of speech and political expression without restriction.

“Every day, newspapers, television programmes, and commentators openly critique government actions,” he said. “That level of open debate clearly shows that democratic freedoms are alive in Nigeria.”

Moreover, the APC official noted that the existence of multiple registered political parties contradicts the claim that Nigeria is evolving into a one-party state.

He disclosed that the country currently has about nineteen registered political parties, describing the figure as evidence of a functioning multi-party system.

“With nearly twenty registered parties operating in the country, it is inaccurate to suggest that Nigeria has become a one-party state,” Basiru said. “Only a handful of political actors are raising such concerns.”

Meanwhile, Basiru explained that the APC is concentrating on strengthening its structures nationwide while expanding its grassroots support base.

He added that the party intends to consolidate its national reach and promote policies aligned with the administration’s development blueprint under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Our focus remains on building a pan-Nigerian political movement that reflects the aspirations of citizens at the grassroots,” he said. 

“We will continue to pursue policies that align with the government’s Renewed Hope agenda.”

Debate over the strength and balance of Nigeria’s political system has intensified in recent months, with several opposition figures raising concerns about the country’s political direction. 

However, the APC insists the country’s democratic structure remains open and competitive.