ABUJA, Nigeria — Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said there is nothing wrong with Nigeria transitioning into a one-party state if it reflects the will of the people, citing China as an example of successful one-party governance.
Ganduje made the remarks on Friday, May 9, 2025, after leading a delegation of three senators from Kebbi State to visit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
The senators — Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki — were formerly members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and have declared their intention to defect to the APC.
The high-profile defections have raised concerns among political observers about the growing dominance of the APC and the potential erosion of multi-party democracy in Nigeria.
Responding to questions on whether the influx of opposition politicians into the ruling party could push the country toward a de facto one-party system, Mr Ganduje dismissed the fears, arguing that a consolidation of parties could enhance governance.
“If a one-party state is a wish and blessing to Nigeria… a one-party state is not by force,” he said.
“One-party state is by negotiation, and it is by other political parties seeing the effect of the positive governance of our party. If they decide to come to our party willingly, I think there is nothing wrong with that.”
He added, “You know they say too many cooks spoil the soup — too many political parties spoil governance.”
Mr Ganduje referenced China as a model: “China is one of the strongest countries in the world, and it’s a one-party 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 also noted that the senators’ defection had received President Tinubu’s blessing.
“We came here so that Mr President can bless this resolution, and Mr President has graciously blessed this resolution,” Ganduje said.
“On Tuesday, I urge you to go and see what will happen in the chambers.”
