By OBSERVERS TIMES
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has addressed concerns raised by opposition leaders regarding Nigeria potentially becoming a one-party state. Speaking to State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, Ganduje stated that the APC would not object if Nigerians desire the party to control a majority of states and the federal government.
Ganduje’s comments followed his introduction of three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators, reportedly from Kebbi State, who have agreed to defect to the APC, to President Tinubu.
Responding to worries about a one-party system, Ganduje remarked, “If a one-party state is a wish and blessing to Nigeria… a one-party state is not by force, it 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 further drew a comparison with China, stating, “Today 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 this is the wish of Nigerians, we cannot quarrel with that.” Ganduje also suggested that “too many political parties spoil governance.”
Regarding the recent defections and the visit with the PDP senators, Ganduje explained that it aligns with President Tinubu’s initiative to democratically increase the APC’s numerical strength and the quality of its followership. He specifically highlighted the situation in Kebbi State, noting that extensive behind-the-scenes discussions and negotiations among key stakeholders had led to the three PDP senators’ decision to join the APC.
“This is a good development and it is in consonance with what is happening in Nigeria today. Almost every week in the Senate and House of Representatives, you see members of other political parties decamping to our party,” Ganduje asserted. He added that their visit to the President was to secure his blessing for this resolution, which he graciously granted, hinting at developments expected in the Senate by Tuesday.
Addressing potential concerns about the integration of new members, Ganduje assured that the party’s constitution and its political experience in managing such transitions would ensure a smooth process.
