Ganduje Criticized by NNPP, Ohanaeze, Afenifere Over One-Party State

Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has come under fire for his remarks regarding a one-party state.
According to reports, Ganduje stated in the presidential house on Friday that there is no need to worry about Nigeria becoming a one-party state.
China has made great economic strides under a one-party system, according to the APC National Chairman.

“There is no need for leaders to be alarmed about a one-party state. One-party states are negotiated, not imposed. Other political parties are observing the results of our party’s effective leadership. “I think there is nothing wrong with them coming to our party voluntarily,” he said.
Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, the chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano, responded to the former governor of Kano State’s remarks by accusing Ganduje of lacking democratic principles.

“Ganduje’s views on a one-party system did not surprise me because they demonstrate a lack of dedication to democratic principles. A true democracy values dissent, diversity of thought, and involvement.

“There are major issues when someone in a position of authority ignores other people or their opinions. Openness, inclusivity, and acknowledging the legitimacy of various political players are all aspects of democracy. Being a member of a different party does not render one insignificant; rather, it enhances democratic dialogue.

It becomes an issue when someone begins to feel that there should only be one party or that their opinions are the only ones that count. Without a strong opposition, no nation can grow. The United States and Britain, two democracies we hold in high regard, do not have one-party systems.

The chairman of the Kano NNPP urged Ganduje to take back his remarks, pointing out that power is temporary.

Respecting the idea that the people are ultimately in charge is essential to leadership. The roles we currently occupy will eventually be filled by someone else. That’s what democracy is all about. He told Daily Trust, “I genuinely urge him to withdraw the statement, as I believe most Nigerians are uncomfortable with such remarks.”

Ohanaeze: “One-Part State Not Possible”
Speaking, Ezechi Chukwu, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s National Publicity Secretary, cautioned that a one-party state is detrimental to democracy.

Chukwu reminded supporters that a one-party system is insufficient for Nigeria to prosper. But Nigeria needs powerful opposition parties, he said.

He emphasized that a multi-party democracy could only succeed if there was a robust opposition.

“Our modern polity is not conducive to a one-party state or mono-party democracy. Nigeria’s current constitution does not allow for a one-party system. “It allows for a democracy with multiple parties,” he stated.

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The rationale for the multi-party system contained in our constitution is clear: the writers of our constitution must have taken into account the pluralistic nature of our nation and our aspirations as a people.

Therefore, it is detrimental to our democracy when anything is done or institutionalized that erodes the complex political structure of our constitution.

Because we lack independent, strong, and robust institutions, there isn’t any significant opposition. Our multi-party democracy would prosper if our institutions were depersonalized and independent of any ruling government.

It is the moral responsibility of our political leaders to foster an atmosphere that supports the growth of our democracy. The pillars upon which our political life is built will be threatened by anything to the contrary,” he stated.

Afenifere: Nigerians Will Oppose a One-Party State
Prince Justice Faloye, the spokesperson for Afenifere, also talked to Daily Trust and lamented that Lagos State has been a one-party state for 12 years, saying that this is not possible in Nigeria.
A one-party state, according to Faloye, is not democratic and therefore not to be supported. He pointed out that an undemocratic electoral system is the reason why lawmakers switch to the ruling party.

This system is democratic, whereas a one-party state is not. We are aware that they are moving in that direction, threatening governors to defect.

This is the situation in Lagos, which has essentially operated as a one-party state for the past twelve years. Nigerians, however, will oppose it.

“We’ve witnessed it. Democracy is dead because he has the judiciary, police, and INEC in his pockets. Violent change is unavoidable if peaceful change is rendered impossible.

“People will vote for you if you perform very well. The PDP resigned after losing, despite their belief that they would reign for 60 years. We anticipate the same outcome if Tinubu loses. He asserted that no one-party state has ever been able to avert an eventual uprising.