By OBSERVERS TIMES
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has vehemently denounced recent statements by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, advocating for Nigeria to evolve into a one-party state.
Ganduje’s remarks, made on May 10, 2025, following the defection of three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from Kebbi State to the APC, cited China’s single-party system as a potential model for Nigeria, suggesting that similar governance could be achieved through voluntary defections.
In a press statement signed by its National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP labeled this vision as “uncharitable, undemocratic, unconstitutional, and unrealistic,” warning of its severe implications for Nigeria’s democratic principles and diverse national identity.
CUPP argued that Ganduje’s proposition is “uncharitable” as it disregards the importance of political diversity in representing Nigeria’s numerous ethnic and religious groups. The coalition stated that urging opposition parties to “melt into” the APC dismisses the legitimate aspirations of millions who support other political entities like the Labour Party and PDP. They cautioned that this rhetoric risks alienating entire regions, particularly the South-East, which has a long history of expressing concerns about marginalization.
Furthermore, CUPP asserted that the concept of a one-party state is “fundamentally undemocratic,” emphasizing that democracy thrives on competition, choice, and accountability, all of which would be suppressed under single-party dominance. The coalition dismissed Ganduje’s claim that defections reflect public trust in the APC, pointing to frequent allegations of coercion and inducements associated with such political shifts. CUPP recalled that historical attempts at one-party rule in Nigeria led to instability and authoritarianism, and they firmly rejected any move to stifle dissent or eliminate essential checks and balances.
The statement also contended that Ganduje’s vision is “unconstitutional,” citing Sections 221 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee a multi-party system and freedom of association. CUPP argued that establishing a one-party state would necessitate amending these constitutional provisions, a process deemed highly improbable given widespread opposition from groups like the NNPP, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Afenifere. The coalition dismissed Ganduje’s reference to China as irrelevant, given Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to multi-party democracy.
Finally, CUPP deemed the ambition “unrealistic,” highlighting that Nigeria’s electorate has consistently rejected one-party dominance, as evidenced by the APC’s rise in 2015 and the Labour Party’s gains in 2023. They suggested that defections often reflect strategic maneuvering rather than genuine ideological alignment. The coalition pointed to public resistance voiced by groups like Afenifere as evidence of Nigerians’ commitment to pluralism, warning that a one-party state would provoke widespread opposition and undermine national stability.
CUPP called on Dr. Ganduje to retract his statement and reaffirm his commitment to democratic ideals. The coalition emphasized that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and that any attempt to impose a one-party system would face strong resistance. They urged the APC to prioritize good governance and equitable policies over the consolidation of power.
CUPP reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and the rights of all citizens to political choice.
