The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has stated that there is nothing inherently wrong with Nigeria potentially becoming a one-party state.
He affirmed the APC’s willingness and capability to integrate all defecting members into its fold.
Ganduje clarified that while the APC is not actively pursuing a one-party system, it would welcome such a scenario if it reflects the desire of Nigerians.
“We are not saying we are working for a one-party system, but if this is the wish of Nigerians, we cannot quarrel with that,” Ganduje told reporters at the State House after accompanying three PDP senators from Kebbi State to a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Friday.
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The senators, Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South), formally declared their intention to join the APC following the meeting.
Also present were Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.
Ganduje assured that the APC’s constitution and internal mechanisms provide clear guidelines for the smooth integration of new members.
“Our constitution is very clear about this and, beyond that, our political dexterity in managing such affairs is on the table. So, I assure you that there will be a smooth integration,” he stated.
He described the defection of the three senators as strategic and beneficial to the party, attributing it to weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations among key stakeholders in Kebbi State.
He indicated that President Tinubu had endorsed the senators’ decision, signaling the party’s enthusiasm in welcoming them.
“By Tuesday, you will see what will happen in the Red Chambers,” he added, suggesting an official announcement in the Senate the following week.
Ganduje also countered the notion that the mass defections foreshadowed a one-party state, arguing instead that it reflected the APC’s growing dominance driven by its performance and national appeal.
“Leaders worried about a one-party state have no need to fear. A one-party state is not by force; it is by negotiation. It is by other political parties seeing the effect of the positive governance of our party. If they decide to come to our party willingly, I think there is nothing wrong with that. Today, China is one of the strongest countries in the world and is a one-party system. We are not saying we are working for a one-party system, but if this is the wish of Nigerians, we cannot quarrel with that.”
He also criticized Nigeria’s multi-party system, stating, “You know, they say too many cooks spoil the soup; too many political parties spoil governance.”
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