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By Sunday Ani
A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Prince Adelaja Adeoye, has urged Nigerians to resist any drift towards a one-party state.
He made the call on Monday in Lagos, while reacting to the defection of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He said the development could reshape opposition dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the need to safeguard Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
He warned that recent mass defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) suggested a growing attempt to entrench a one-party dominance across the country.
He noted that the APC now controls 31 of Nigeria’s 36 states, raising concerns about political imbalance and weakening the opposition structure.
He said: “A multi-party system empowers Nigerians to choose their leaders without fear or favour. It deepens the democratic ideals upon which our republic is founded and guarantees accountability and responsive governance.
“For this to work effectively, INEC and the judiciary must remain impartial and professional in the discharge of their duties during the 2027 elections.”
He said Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 symbolised a deliberate shift from military dictatorship to democratic governance driven by the will of the people.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as ‘systemic one-party drift’ at sub-national levels through the ongoing defections by the opposition figures.
He alleged that some actions by the ruling party reflected anti-democratic tendencies aimed at weakening opposition parties.
“Another dimension to state capture has been introduced through attempts to hijack opposition parties and impose a one-party system through the back door.
“Nigerians are taking note of these undemocratic actions and will respond appropriately in defence of democracy,” he added.
He cautioned against the use of state institutions to suppress opposition voices, describing such moves as unconstitutional and dangerous to democratic stability.
“Any attempt to deploy state institutions against the opposition will provoke resistance from citizens, civil society groups and the international community,” he said.
On his ambition, he said his governorship bid had continued to attract widespread support from party members and interest groups across Lagos State.
He cited a recent endorsement from the Lagos for Prosperity Group (LPG) as a sign of growing confidence in his candidacy.
He said a broad coalition of opposition parties would be critical to achieving electoral victory and delivering meaningful change in the state and Nigeria.
He said his vision for Lagos was anchored on inclusive and transformative governance that prioritises the welfare of all residents.
