A politician and renowned political economist, Pat Utomi, has dismissed concerns expressed in some quarters that the wave of defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
Mr Utomi, in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Lagos, said Nigeria would not become a one-party state despite the wave of defections of governors and their supporters.
Mr Utomi said he was prepared to stand alone, if necessary, to protect and preserve the country’s multi-party democracy.
“It will not happen. It will not happen. Even if I alone will be the opposition, I will be,” he said.
APC has recorded significant membership gains lately, with top politicians, including opposition governors and state and federal lawmakers, joining the party.
The recent defection of Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta to the APC has significantly increased the number of states under the ruling party’s control.
Some stakeholders described the development as unhealthy for the country’s democracy, saying the country risks becoming a one-party state under its direction.
However, the economist said it was not possible for all political parties to collapse into the APC, noting that the ruling party will be challenged in 2027.
Mr Utomi said the conduct of the nation’s political elite had exposed a disturbing pattern.
According to him, the political class has portrayed itself as selfish and undemocratic.
He described many actors in the system as “rent seekers, who want to be in play, not people who want to rigorously consider options for policy to make life better for society.”
Mr Utomi said the behaviour of the political elite had already set the tone for the next general elections.
He said, “What this means is that the next elections have defined themselves—it is the Nigerian people against the politicians.
“It is not about this party or that party, because in the main, sadly, many of them are the same thing.”
The former presidential candidate urged citizens to remain vigilant and insist on leadership driven by ideas, integrity, and public good, rather than personal gain.
Similarly, the vice chairman (west) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Sunday Olaifa, told journalists that the wave of defections from the party into the ruling APC cannot destroy the party.
Mr Olaifa said the PDP would finally unite amid the ongoing national leadership crisis, urging party leaders and supporters to rise above it.
“I call on all PDP leaders and supporters in Lagos and Nigeria to remain steadfast. Nigeria can never turn into a one-party state,” he said.
According to him, the party has weathered similar storms in the past and emerged stronger.
He recalled the Makarfi–Sheriff crisis, noting that PDP surmounted that challenge through collective resolve.
“Better days are ahead for our party,” the PDP chieftain assured.
(NAN)
