Babangide Aliyu: Nigeria gradually becoming one-party state as he raised concern over danger it might pose to democracy
Ahead of 2027 General Election, many politicians have been seen cross-carpeting from one party to another─majorly, the ruling All Progressives Congress (NLC)─in quest for political power come 2027.
Mr. Babangide Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State, stated during a meeting of the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); who are known to be major opposition party in Nigeria.
The ex-governor, who has always been vocal and vibrant, even during his time in office, stated that in the contemporary democracies, there is need for opposition.
His assertion came yesterday, 16th December, 2025, while addressing the National Working Committee (NWC) and the former Ministers’ forum of the Peoples Democratic Party during an interactive session.
Former Governor of Niger State and Chairman of the former Governors’ Forum on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Babangida Aliyu, has warned that Nigeria is “systematically and dangerously sliding into a one-party state” under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr. Aliyu raised expressed deep concern over mass defection of politicians from other political parties into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and described that situation as “shrinking political space in the country, the rising wave of induced defections, and the weakening of opposition institutions.”
According to him, these developments amount to a calculated attempt to stifle democracy and impose a totalitarian order on Nigerians.
“We observe with alarm the aggressive maneuvers by the ruling APC to obliterate the opposition,” Aliyu said.
“The relentless poaching of opposition figures, the weaponization of state institutions to intimidate dissenting voices, are clear indicators that Nigeria is sliding dangerously into a one-party state.
“This is not just a threat to the Peoples Democratic Party, but a direct assault on the democratic hard-won freedoms of every Nigerian citizen.”
He further stated that the country needs a vibrant and active opposition parties in order for democracy to function properly in any given society, which will continually serve as a check and watchdog on executive arbitrariness and authoritarian tendencies.
Babangida Aliyu went on to congratulate the newly elected PDP National Working Committee, pledging his full support for their commitment to drive the party forward and his support to revatilise and revigorate the leadership of the new-look party under the stewardship of its National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
“The PDP is not dead; it is evolving,” he declared. “We are pleased to note that under the stewardship of Tanimu Turaki, the NWC is effectively repositioning the party.
“His leadership has brought a renewed sense of purpose, discipline, and reconciliation that is critical for our resurgence.”
Reacting to the former Niger State governor’s remark, Turaki looked to canvas the PDP national leaders, members and supporters, stating that the party’s sixteen years in power remain the benchmark for true governance, growth and development in Nigeria.
Nigeria Gradually Becoming One-Party State ─ Babangide Aliyu
Tanimu Turaki claimed that prevailing socio-economic challenged in the country have justified 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in office, describing that period (1999 – 2015) as a “golden era” honoured by economic liberilisation, institutional strengthening and national cohesion.
“We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history where the difference between competence and propaganda has become glaringly obvious to the common man,” Turaki said.
PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki’s Official Portrait. Photo Credit: Morganable
“Nigerians cannot forget the PDP’s 16 glorious years. These were years when Nigeria became the largest economy in Africa, when our foreign debt was cleared, and when the middle class was thriving, not disappearing.”
One after the other, he listed the achievements of the PDP while in office to corroborate his claim, liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, banking consolidation, the settlement of the Paris Club debt, and the establishment of anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which he said operated within the rule of law.
Also, present and speaking at the meeting was the former Governor of Kano State and two-time Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ibrahim Shekarau, who stood in as a representative of the former Ministers’ Forum, he implored the leadership of the Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party not to back down.
In his speech, Sherakau said that the contributions of the current NWC to rehabilitation and stabilisation of the party have gone beyond expectations despite in the face of the challenges and difficulties confronting the opposition parties.
“Don’t relent; you have done more than expected,” Shekarau charged, as the forum formally endorsed the new NWC leadership, expressing confidence that the PDP is moving forward under Turaki’s stewardship.
From the inception of the All Progressives Congress (APC), there have been rumours here and there about the party moving to actualise its dream of one-party state in Nigeria.
The move seems to be realistic and many are talking about it because vibrant politicians, including governors, are now, in drove, decamping into the ruling party (APC) in search of political power or pardon.
Of course as said by the former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, democracy truly needs opposition to thrive. Without the affordance of criticism, democracy cannot survive.
Many, who have tasted the dividends of democracy, will no want to witness the a country controlled or governed by one existing political party which may adversely lead to autocracy.
But here is the question which needs to be asked: “What good has democracy done on African soil?
Nigeria Gradually Becoming One-Party State ─ Babangide Aliyu
