ABUJA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed growing concerns that it is working to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, following a surge in defections from the opposition.
National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Felix Morka, made this known on Thursday while addressing the wave of recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party.
Morka defended the influx of new members into the APC, stating that citizens are free to align with any political party of their choice under Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
“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,” Morka said. “That does not mean we desire for Nigeria to then become a one-party system.”
He argued that Nigeria’s Constitution, Electoral Act, and other legal frameworks enshrine a multi-party democratic system, making it nearly impossible to legally transform the nation into a one-party state.
He pointed out that under the PDP’s rule, the party once controlled more than 28 states, yet was not accused of attempting to establish a one-party system.
The APC spokesman emphasized that the party is focused solely on consolidating its gains and ensuring internal stability, not on eliminating opposition.
“Our worry is not about reducing political competition,” Morka said. “It’s about protecting our platform and continuing to provide leadership under the laws and democratic principles of this country.”
The remarks come amid mounting speculation over the country’s political direction, as opposition figures continue to cross over to the ruling party in various states.
