The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has voiced support for the idea of Nigeria becoming a one-party state, if such a shift reflects the will of the people. Ganduje made this statement after leading three former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from Kebbi State — Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki to meet with President Bola Tinubu, following their defection to the APC.
Addressing concerns about the implications of mass defections from opposition parties, Ganduje argued that a one-party state could be beneficial if it emerges from consensus and good governance. He emphasized that it should not be imposed but rather come about through political dialogue and citizens’ appreciation of the ruling party’s performance. According to him, parties joining the APC voluntarily demonstrates political maturity, not coercion.
Ganduje further justified his stance by citing China as an example of a successful one-party nation. He likened the multitude of political parties to “too many cooks spoiling the soup,” implying that fewer parties could enhance effective governance. He clarified that while the APC is not deliberately working to eliminate other parties, it will embrace a one-party system if that aligns with Nigerians’ preferences.
