A growing wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is raising alarms about the possible emergence of a one-party state in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections.
So far, 86 lawmakers from both federal and state legislatures have switched allegiance, mostly from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). This shift has triggered nationwide concerns over declining political competition, with APC leaders like Ganduje defending the trend as voluntary and potentially beneficial, while critics warn of creeping authoritarianism.
The opposition is faltering, struggling with internal crises and fragmented leadership, making it vulnerable to the APC’s growing influence. Prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan have voiced their opposition, with Atiku citing his long-standing fight against one-party dominance and Jonathan emphasizing the dangers of drifting into such a system without deliberate national consensus. Meanwhile, the APC remains divided on the matter, with some leaders distancing themselves from Ganduje’s one-party state rhetoric.
Political scientists caution that Nigeria may not yet be a legal one-party state, but it increasingly resembles a dominant-party system—where one party maintains overwhelming electoral advantage while others are too weak to compete effectively. Drawing parallels with countries like Japan, Sweden, and South Africa, they argue that dominance alone doesn’t always threaten democracy, though it can if opposition parties are systematically weakened or co-opted.
With the 2027 elections looming, Nigeria faces a defining moment. Citizens and reform-minded politicians must decide whether to accept APC’s growing grip or push back through coalition-building and voter engagement. Past transitions, like the 2015 election, show that change is possible. For now, Nigeria’s democracy appears cracked but not broken, and its survival hinges on an informed electorate willing to demand accountability and competition.
