The Inter-Party Advisory Council in Ebonyi says a one-party democracy is detrimental to Nigeria’s development.

The state chairman of IPAC, Nasir Nwaze, said in Abakaliki on Wednesday, noted that there has been massive defection from opposition parties, particularly governors, into the All Progressives Congress, which rules at the federal level.

Some of the defectors include Governors Umo Eno, Peter Mbah, Douye Diri and Sheriff Oborevwori. The gale of defection has raised concerns about a potential one-party state as the country prepares for a general election in 2027.

But President Bola Tinubu said that the APC was not driving Nigeria into a one-party state. He said this while addressing the Joint Session of the National Assembly to mark the June 12 Democracy Day.

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

He said that IPAC was committed to resolving political issues and promoting peaceful coexistence among political parties.

“We are the umbrella body for all registered parties recognised by INEC. The structure of governance in Ebonyi encourages collaboration among members of political parties rather than antagonistic opposition.

“So, 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,” he said.

 (NAN)