APC National Chairman Denies Plot for One-Party State as APC Welcomes More Defections

In the midst of an ongoing wave of political defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has denied allegations that the ruling party is working towards establishing a one-party state in Nigeria.

Ganduje made this clarification after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

While speaking to State House correspondents, Ganduje described the surge in defections from opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a reflection of the people’s evolving political sentiments rather than a deliberate plan to monopolize power. “We are not saying we are working for a one-party system,” he stated. “But if this is the wish of Nigerians, we cannot quarrel with that.”

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In recent months, several high-profile politicians — including governors and federal lawmakers — have left the PDP and joined the APC, fueling speculation about the shrinking space for opposition in Nigeria’s democracy. Ganduje, however, dismissed these concerns, arguing that too many political parties can hinder effective governance. “Too many cooks spoil the broth; too many political parties spoil governance,” he said.

Accompanying Ganduje to the meeting were Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris and three senators from the state — Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki. According to the APC chairman, the visit was part of a strategic alignment aimed at solidifying the party’s influence in Kebbi and securing President Tinubu’s support for forthcoming defections.

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Ganduje revealed that intense behind-the-scenes negotiations had taken place among stakeholders in Kebbi State, culminating in a resolution for the three PDP senators to join the APC. “This is a good development, and it is in consonance with what is happening in Nigeria today,” he said. “Almost every week in the Senate and House of Representatives, you see members of other political parties defecting to our party.”

The APC chairman said President Tinubu had endorsed the initiative, setting the stage for what he described as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s Red Chamber next Tuesday. “With our political dexterity in managing such affairs, I assure you there will be a smooth integration,” he added.

Ganduje emphasized that the influx of new members into the APC was not just about numerical strength but also about enhancing the quality of leadership and grassroots support. “APC must do what we must do democratically to increase our numerical strength and also our quality and capacity of followership,” he noted.

While the APC continues to absorb defectors, questions persist about the long-term implications for democratic pluralism in Nigeria. For now, however, the party appears unfazed, interpreting the trend as a validation of its political direction and leadership.