The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Ebonyi has stated that Nigeria cannot afford a one-party state under a democratic system.
The state chairman of IPAC, Mr Nasir Nwaze, made the remark in an interview with newsmen in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Wednesday, emphasising that a one-party state is unhealthy for any democracy.
There has been significant defection from opposition parties, particularly governors, into the All Progressives Congress, APC, which currently governs at the federal level. Some of the defectors include Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.
This wave of defection has raised concerns about the potential emergence of a one-party state as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
However, President Bola Tinubu while addressing the Joint Session of the National Assembly to mark the June 12 Democracy Day had insisted that the APC is not steering Nigeria towards a one-party state.
Nwaze, nonetheless, cautioned: “One-party system is very unhealthy to democratic system, especially to the Nigerian nation. People defecting to the ruling party of APC do not erase the structures of other parties. They all exist and run their activities independently.”
He added that IPAC is committed to resolving political issues and promoting peaceful coexistence among political parties.
We are the umbrella body for all registered parties recognised by INEC. The structure of governance in Ebonyi encourages collaboration among members of political parties rather than antagonistic opposition. A one-party system is not healthy for democracy. That is why every political party in Ebonyi has the freedom to scout for members and present candidates. At the end of the day, the people will decide who they want,” he said.
