A recent declaration by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will cease to exist by the end of 2025 has ignited widespread debate across Nigeria’s political landscape. Ganduje made this bold prediction while responding to comments from former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who had earlier suggested that the APC was on the verge of implosion.
Ganduje dismissed Lamido’s remarks as baseless, asserting that the PDP is already “dead” and that internal divisions will soon lead to its total collapse. He pointed to the ongoing wave of defections from the PDP to the APC, claiming it is evidence of the ruling party’s growing dominance. Ganduje further argued that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the APC is consolidating its achievements and preparing for a resounding victory in the 2027 general elections.
The APC chairman went as far as to say there would be nothing wrong if Nigeria became a one-party state, citing China as a successful example of such a system. “We are not saying we are working for a one-party system, but if that is the wish of Nigerians, we cannot quarrel with that,” he stated.
However, Ganduje’s comments have raised concerns among political analysts and members of the public, who fear that the increasing rate of defections could push Nigeria toward a one-party state a scenario many see as dangerous for democracy. Critics argue that a lack of strong opposition would undermine checks and balances and could lead to unchecked power and corruption.
Not everyone agrees with Ganduje’s prediction. Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), dismissed the possibility of a one-party state in Nigeria. He argued that the country’s complex social and economic divisions make such a scenario unlikely, emphasizing that mass defections do not equate to the extinction of opposition. “Defection to the ruling party doesn’t make a one-party state. What makes a one-party state is when people think that they don’t need any other party outside the one that is ruling, or when people are being forced by law not to create another party,” Adebayo explained.
Other notable voices, such as Dr. Pogu Bitrus of the Middle Belt Forum and Alhaji Yerima Shettima of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, also rejected the idea of a one-party state, stressing the importance of a vibrant opposition for the health of Nigeria’s democracy. They called on the PDP to resolve its internal issues and on all Nigerians to support the existence of a strong opposition.
Despite the turmoil, the PDP recently held its long-awaited National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, a move seen as a step toward restoring unity and stability within the party.