In a striking political statement, Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said there is “nothing wrong” with Nigeria becoming a one-party state—if that reflects the will of the people.
Ganduje made the remark on Friday after leading three senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki—to meet with President Bola Tinubu. The trio, formerly of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally announced their defection to the APC during the visit.
When asked whether the growing wave of defections could undermine Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, Ganduje responded with a bold comparison.
“China is one of the strongest countries in the world, and it’s a one-party system,” he said. “We’re not saying we are working for a one-party system, but if that is the wish of Nigerians, we cannot quarrel with that.”
He dismissed concerns about democratic erosion, arguing that the APC’s performance is what’s attracting opposition members, not coercion.
“One-party state is not by force,” Ganduje said. “It is by negotiation… too many political parties spoil governance.”
The former Kano governor insisted that good governance under the APC is drawing others in voluntarily. “If they decide to come to our party willingly, I think there is nothing wrong with that.”
As political realignments continue, the consolidation of power under one dominant party raises questions about checks and balances in Nigeria’s democratic system.
