The Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has condemned the statement of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, advocating Nigeria’s transformation into a one-party state.
The group said the proposal by the APC is uncharitable, undemocratic, unconstitutional, and unrealistic, posing a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic principles and pluralistic identity.
In a statement on Monday in Abuja, the National Secretary of the Coalition, Chief Peter Ameh asked the proponent of the system to perish the idea in the general interest of the political advancement of the country.
Ganduje had during a press interaction following the defection of three Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senators from Kebbi State to the APC cited China’s single-party system as a model and suggested that Nigeria could achieve similar governance through voluntary defections.
However, CUPP, while rejecting the proposal said, “Ganduje’s statement is uncharitable as it disregards the value of political diversity, which is vital for representing Nigeria’s over 250 ethnic groups and diverse religious communities.
“By urging opposition parties to “melt into”;; the APC, he dismisses the legitimate aspirations of millions who support parties like the Labour Party and PDP. This rhetoric risks alienating entire regions, particularly the South-East, which has long voiced concerns about marginalization—concerns Ganduje has acknowledged but failed to address equitably.
“The notion of a one-party state is fundamentally undemocratic. Democracy thrives on competition, choice, and accountability, all of which are stifled under single-party dominance.
“Ganduje’s claim that defections reflect public trust in the APC ignores allegations of coercion and inducements often associated with such political shifts. Historical attempts at one-party rule in Nigeria led to instability and authoritarianism, and the CUPP rejects any move to suppress dissent or eliminate the checks and balances essential for good governance.
“Ganduje’s vision is also unconstitutional. The 1999 Constitution, through Sections 221 and 40, guarantees a multi-party system and freedom of association.
“Establishing a one-party state would require amending these provisions, a process demanding a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and approval from 24 state assemblies—an improbable feat given widespread opposition from groups like the NNPP, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Afenifere.
“Ganduje’s reference to China, a nation without a constitutional commitment to multi-party democracy, is irrelevant and disregards Nigeria’s legal framework.
“This ambition is unrealistic. Nigeria’s electorate has consistently rejected one-party dominance, as seen in the APC’s rise in 2015 and the Labour Party’s gains in 2023. Defections, such as those in Kebbi, often reflect strategic maneuvering rather than ideological alignment devoid of people-driven endorsement.
“Public resistance, voiced by Afenifere and other well-meaning Nigerians, underscores Nigerians’ commitment to pluralism. A one-party state would provoke widespread opposition, undermining national stability.
The CUPP has, therefore, also asked Ganduje to retract his statement and reaffirm his commitment to democratic ideals adding that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and any attempt to impose a one-party system will be met with resolute resistance.
“We urge the APC to prioritize delivering the dividends of good governance and equitable policies over power consolidation.
“CUPP remains steadfast in defending Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and the rights of all citizens to political choice”;;, the statement said.
