VOX POP: Nigerians Say One Party State: Dangerous, Unhealthy For Democracy

 Anthony EKPO BASSEY

Intro: 

As Nigeria gradually moves towards the 2027 general elections, conversations around democratic stability have intensified. Among the most debated issues is the fear that the country could drift toward a de facto one-party state, whether through political dominance, weakened opposition, or the shrinking of civic space. To understand public sentiments on this matter, our Executive Editor, Anthony Ekpo Bassey, spoke with Nigerians from different parts of the country about what a one-party system could mean for governance, development, and national cohesion. 

“A one-party state may bring short-term stability, but it kills accountability. Without opposition, leaders become too comfortable, and corruption grows silently.”

Engr. Adetuwo Adewale (Lagos)

“Nigeria needs competition to progress. If one party dominates too much by 2027, young people may lose faith in elections entirely.”

Fayoke Kemisola (Ekiti)

“Our region already feels politically side-lined sometimes. A one-party Nigeria could deepen that sense of exclusion and worsen national unity.”

 Ms. Chinyere Uchechukwu (Abia)

“Democracy works when different voices are heard. A one-party situation could make government insensitive to minority groups and local needs.”

Mr. Otitochukwu Nnamdi (Anambra)

“A one-party state usually weakens institutions. If the opposition becomes too weak before 2027, things like press freedom and civil rights may also suffer.”

Hon. Douglas Tamuno (Rivers)

“People forget that opposition parties help check excesses. If one party controls everything, budget misuse and policy errors may go unquestioned.”

Mrs. Edidiong Okon (Akwa Ibom)

“For me, one party system is a complete aberration to our political system as it is a breading ground for impunity, nepotism, lawlessness, suppression of diversity and inclusion. Besides, where there is no opposition, there would definitely be no accountability or transparency in governance. The worst we experience currently under the multi-party system is far better than what the case would be under a single party arrangement. Nigerians should unanimously reject it please.”

 Mr. Tony Esin, Akwa Ibom State 

“One of the greatest dangers ahead of 2027, for me, is not necessarily the official declaration of a one-party state, but the gradual erosion of democratic norms and competition that leads to a de facto one-party system. This scenario would amplify all of Nigeria’s existing challenges, such as insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, and division, by removing the key mechanisms for peaceful change and accountability.

The state of Nigerian democracy in 2027 for me, will be largely dependen on the strength and unity of the opposition, the independence of INEC and the judiciary, the vigilance of the media and civil society, and ultimately, the belief of Nigerian voters that their ballot can still make a difference. Preventing this slide is the fundamental political challenge of the coming years.”

Mr. James Offiong, Cross River State 

“You have my opinion on this. One party is a dangerous trend but we have a criminals at the helms and they’re desperate to hold on to our commonwealth.”

Mr. Francis Offiong, Cross River State 

“The beauty of democracy is opposition, were there is no opposition the political competition dies and the electorate are bound to suffer because the elected politicians will neglect alot of project because they filled they won their election on party mandate and not the people mandate. The danger of one party system ahead of 2027 general election is that the electorate will not be able to elect their prefer choice of candidates because the one party system will determine their prefer candidate in the party primary were only the delegate vote and automatically the candidate become the winner because there will be no opposition to counter the party choice of candidates. One party system will destroy our democracy and the choice of the people will be frustrated.”

Mr. Patrick Upla, Ogoja, Cross River State 

“Even God, our Creator, made it clear that life is about choices, and while He guides us toward what’s good, He doesn’t choose for us.(Deuteronomy 30:19). The drift toward a one-party system, like the APC dominance we are seeing, often stems from deeper issues greed, hunger for power, and corruption. When everyone has something to hide, the tendency is to join a system that shields wrongdoings.”

Mr. Progress S. Ekpo, Calabar South, Cross River 

“A one-party state in Nigeria preceding the 2027 elections embodies considerable risks to democratic stability and national progress. When political authority is centralised within a single party, the mechanisms of checks and balances tend to weaken, resulting in diminished accountability and an increased likelihood of power abuse. Opposition voices, which are vital for fostering healthy debate and policy enhancement, may be suppressed or marginalised.

Such actions can erode public trust, undermine freedom of expression, and restrict citizen engagement in governance. Furthermore, a one-party system heightens the risks of corruption, substandard service delivery, and uncontested policy failures. Therefore, safeguarding a multiparty democracy is essential for Nigeria’s future.”

Mr. Kenneth Ikpeme, Calabar Municipal, Cross River State 

“What scares me is not just one-party dominance, but what it means for ordinary citizens. Look at the current increasing prices of commodities yet poor salaries, insecurity in the country, and so on. we need leaders who know they can be voted out.”

Ndauda Zakari (Niger State)

“If the 2027 elections don’t allow fair competition, it sends the message that democracy is only a word on paper. Nigeria must avoid that path.”

Halima Anyaja (Kogi)

“Our region has suffered from insecurity. A one-party state might focus more on political control than solving real problems like safety and jobs.”

Malik Musa (Borno)

“Opposition is not the enemy. Rather, it is part of democracy. Without it, people’s grievances may go unheard and unrest could rise.”

Zara Jajere-Buba (Yobe)

“If by 2027 only one party seems viable, the risk is that leaders may stop listening to voters. Power needs to be competitive to stay responsible.”

Bashir Nasiru (Kano)

“Nigeria has many tribes, beliefs, and economic realities. One political voice cannot represent everyone; diversity in politics is essential.”

Aisha Hauwa (Kaduna)