Former Niger State governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has cautioned that Nigeria would suffer severe consequences if it drifts into a one-party system, calling for stronger internal party discipline and the protection of alternative political voices.
Speaking at the 6th Zik’s Awards Lecture held in Abuja to mark the 121st posthumous birthday of the late Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aliyu condemned governors who abandon their parties under pressure or inducement. “If we make the mistake of creating a one-party state in Nigeria, we will pay dearly for it,” he said, stressing the importance of a functioning multi-party democracy.
Aliyu accused some political leaders of abandoning party principles because of “bribe or intimidation”, and urged parties to guard against such behaviour. He defended his presence at the Ibadan convention the previous day, saying he travelled there “against all odds” to help “strengthen the vehicle” that offers Nigerians an alternative platform.
The former governor said internal reform was necessary to restore credibility and effectiveness. “So we examined what had been happening in our party and, like surgeons, we removed the cancer that had crippled it,” he told the audience, adding that the party now hoped to move forward and “give Nigerians a genuine choice.”
Aliyu also reflected on the legacy of Nnamdi Azikiwe, praising the nationalist’s role in nation-building. “Zik was a Nigerian before Nigeria gained independence,” he said, noting personal affinities tied to birth dates and academic journeys but emphasising Azikiwe’s pragmatic leadership.
The lecture, part of the Zik’s Awards events, drew commentary on current political developments and the health of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Aliyu’s remarks contribute to a wider national conversation about defections, party discipline and the risks of a concentration of political power.
Political analysts say Aliyu’s intervention highlights two pressing concerns. First, the erosion of party loyalty — particularly when influential figures abandon platforms — can weaken opposition and reduce voters’ meaningful choice. Second, reforms implemented without broad consultation risk deepening divisions if perceived as exclusionary.
Critics argue that while expulsions and internal purges may be justified in some cases, heavy-handed approaches could push aggrieved members into rival parties, further polarising the political landscape ahead of crucial elections. Supporters counter that decisive action is sometimes needed to cleanse organisations of corrupting influences.
The Zik’s Awards Lecture remains a significant forum for political and civic discourse, commemorating Azikiwe’s contribution to Nigeria’s independence and democratic traditions. Aliyu used the occasion to link historical lessons to present day challenges, urging political actors to preserve pluralism and uphold constitutional norms.
