The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ebonyi has warned that Nigeria cannot afford to slip into a one-party system under a democratic government.
IPAC’s state chairman, Mr. Nasir Nwaze, made this known during an interview with journalists in Abakaliki on Wednesday, stressing that a one-party structure poses a serious threat to any functioning democracy.
His remarks follow a wave of defections from opposition parties—particularly by governors—into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Among those who have switched parties are Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.
This wave of defection has raised concerns about the potential emergence of a one-party state as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
However, President Bola Tinubu while addressing the Joint Session of the National Assembly to mark the June 12 Democracy Day had insisted that the APC is not steering Nigeria towards a one-party state based on what IPAC argued.
Nwaze, nonetheless, cautioned: “One-party system is very unhealthy to democratic system, especially to the Nigerian nation. People defecting to the ruling party of APC do not erase the structures of other parties. They all exist and run their activities independently.”
He added that IPAC is committed to resolving political issues and promoting peaceful coexistence among political parties.
“We are the umbrella body for all registered parties recognised by INEC. The structure of governance in Ebonyi encourages collaboration among members of political parties rather than antagonistic opposition. A one-party system is not healthy for democracy. That is why every political party in Ebonyi has the freedom to scout for members and present candidates. At the end of the day, the people will decide who they want,” he said.
