APC denies one-party state claims, points to 19 parties and free media.

APC National Secretary Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru rejected allegations that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday. He dismissed the claims as emotion-driven, lacking factual basis.

Basiru pointed to Nigeria's estimated 200 million population, noting that while the APC holds the largest share, this does not equate to one-party rule. He emphasized that democratic institutions remain intact, citing a vibrant and independent media environment where daily editorials and talk shows criticize the government. Additionally, he highlighted that Nigeria currently has about 19 registered political parties, far more than the handful of dissatisfied groups, which he said disproves one-party domination claims.

He said the APC's focus is on strengthening its structures and expanding grassroots support in line with the President's Renewed Hope Agenda, rather than engaging in what he called unnecessary political accusations. Basiru urged critics to provide hard evidence before casting aspersions on democracy or the judiciary.

Given APC's denial and the cited 19 parties, do you see Nigeria's political space as genuinely pluralistic, or do you believe other indicators suggest otherwise?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/16/one-party-allegation-driven-by-emotion-not-fact-apc/