The All Progressives Congress has dismissed claims that Nigeria is becoming a one-party state following recent defections from opposition parties to the ruling party.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka, stated this on Wednesday, arguing that the wave of defections does not indicate any deliberate attempt to eliminate opposition.
Morka recalled that when the Peoples Democratic Party was in power, it controlled over 28 states without similar accusations.
He maintained that there is nothing wrong with PDP and Labour Party members joining the APC if they choose to align with its vision.
“Many of these people are coming in and saying, we want to be part of the process. We want to identify with that process. There’s nothing wrong with that. And you know, that does not mean that we desire for Nigeria to then become a one party system,” Morka said.
The APC spokesperson emphasized that Nigeria’s constitutional framework ensures a multi-party democracy.
“As our country, both in the Constitution, in Electoral Act, and a plethora of other laws, have embedded systems that unmistakably make Nigeria a multi party and pluralist society. So, we cannot as a party desire to go against the force of the Constitution, to say we want a party. Because to do that, you have to change a lot, which is nearly impossible to change,” he explained.
Morka dismissed concerns about Nigeria becoming a one-party state, stating that the APC’s primary focus is on strengthening its own structures.
“The party only worries about how it would continue to protect itself,” he added.
The statement comes amid increasing defections from opposition parties to the APC, raising concerns about the shrinking political space. However, the ruling party insists that such movements reflect voluntary political alignments rather than a systematic elimination of opposition.
Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of political association, and the APC maintains that it remains committed to upholding democratic principles.