Former Niger State Governor and Chairman of the Former Governors’ Forum, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has warned that Nigeria is drifting dangerously towards a one-party system under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing shrinking democratic space and sustained pressure on opposition figures.
Aliyu raised the alarm while speaking at an interactive session between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) and the Former Ministers’ Forum. He expressed concern over what he described as aggressive attempts by the APC to weaken opposition parties through induced defections and the use of state institutions to silence dissent.
“We observe with alarm the aggressive maneuvers by the ruling APC to obliterate the opposition. The relentless poaching of opposition figures and the weaponization of state institutions to intimidate dissenting voices are clear indicators that Nigeria is sliding dangerously into a one-party state,” Aliyu said.
He stressed that a strong and credible opposition remains essential for the survival of democracy, insisting that political pluralism must be protected. Aliyu also congratulated the newly elected PDP NWC, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, expressing confidence in its ability to reposition the party.
“The PDP is not dead; it is evolving,” he said, commending the new leadership for its focus on reconciliation, discipline, and internal cohesion.
In his response, PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democratic values and recalled its 16-year record in government, which he described as a benchmark for national development. According to Turaki, the PDP era witnessed significant economic growth, debt relief, and the expansion of Nigeria’s middle class.
He highlighted landmark achievements such as the liberalization of the telecommunications sector, banking sector consolidation, the settlement of Nigeria’s Paris Club debt, and the establishment of anti-corruption agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
Also speaking at the meeting, former Kano State Governor and former Minister, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, urged the new NWC to remain resolute despite challenges.
“Don’t relent; you have done more than expected,” Shekarau said.
The endorsement of the new PDP leadership by the Former Ministers’ Forum signals renewed determination within the party to strengthen its opposition role and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic space amid growing concerns over political centralization under the APC.
Comments