In a fiery defense of Nigeria’s democratic fabric, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, on April 23, 2025, dismissed accusations that the party seeks to transform Nigeria into a one-party state, branding such claims as “baseless propaganda” by a faltering opposition.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Basiru countered critics like PDPchieftain Dele Momodu, who warned of Tinubu’s coercive tactics following high-profile defections, including Delta’s Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Basiru’s remarks, ignited a fierce debate as Nigeria grapples with a wave of political realignments.
Basiru emphasized that the APC’s growing ranks reflect public trust in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, not a plot to suppress opposition. “We are not forcing anyone to join us,” he declared, citing the party’s open-door policy and democratic ethos. He pointed to Kaduna Governor Uba Sani’s April 15 claim that his state was nearing a one-party status due to effective governance, not coercion, as evidence of organic support. Basiru challenged the PDP to introspect on its internal crises, noting that defections, like those in Delta and Osun, stem from the opposition’s failure to inspire confidence.
Critics, however, remain skeptical, with analysts warning that the APC’s dominance—bolstered by a February 27 National Executive Committee vote of confidence in Tinubu—could marginalize dissent. The defection of over 5,000 PDP members in Delta, led by Oborevwori and Okowa, has fueled fears of a shrinking opposition. Yet, Basiru insisted that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on choice, not compulsion. As the 2027 elections loom, the APC’s pledge to uphold pluralism faces scrutiny.