IPAC Warns Nigeria Cannot Afford One-Party State Amid Rising Defections

The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Ebonyi State has cautioned that Nigeria cannot afford to drift into a one-party system, describing such a development as detrimental to democratic governance.

The state chairman of IPAC, Nasir Nwaze, raised the concern in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Abakaliki.

His remarks come amid a wave of high-profile defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Recent defectors include Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.

The trend has sparked widespread concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections, with many warning that Nigeria risks becoming a de facto one-party state.

President Bola Tinubu, however, while addressing a Joint Session of the National Assembly on June 12 Democracy Day, dismissed such fears, insisting that the APC has no intention of steering the country toward a one-party system.

But Nwaze maintained that multiparty competition remains crucial for Nigeria’s democracy.

“One-party system is very unhealthy to democratic system, especially to the Nigerian nation,” he said. “People defecting to the ruling APC do not erase the structures of other parties. They all exist and run their activities independently.”

He stressed that IPAC remains committed to promoting peaceful coexistence among all political parties and resolving political issues through dialogue.

“We are the umbrella body for all registered parties recognised by INEC. The structure of governance in Ebonyi encourages collaboration rather than antagonistic opposition,” he stated.

Nwaze added that political pluralism must be protected: “A one-party system is not healthy for democracy. That is why every political party in Ebonyi has the freedom to scout for members and present candidates. At the end of the day, the people will decide who they want.”