Politics
Nigeria on the Path to a One-Party State Under Tinubu and the APC:* The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
*Nigeria on the Path to a One-Party State Under Tinubu and the APC:* The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Nigeria, is drifting perilously close to what analysts fear may become a one-party state under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The signs are glaring, the tactics aggressive, and the implications for national cohesion and democratic plurality are both ominous and disturbing. How did the nation that once celebrated the peaceful handover of power from one political party to another in 2015 fall so quickly into the hands of what increasingly resembles a democratic autocracy?
*How Did We Get Here?*
The seeds of one-party dominance were sown in 2015 when the APC, a coalition of opposition groups and defectors from the then-ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), defeated Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, an incumbent president lost an election and conceded defeat peacefully. It was hailed as a democratic triumph, but it masked a deeper problem Nigeria’s political elite were not changing values; they were changing jerseys.
Since then, the APC, especially under the baton of Tinubu who was widely regarded as the party’s kingmaker before ascending to the presidency has worked tirelessly to consolidate power not only through elections but through intimidation, co-optation, and manipulation. The weakening of opposition parties through defection inducements, selective prosecutions using anti-corruption agencies, and calculated political appointments has deepened concerns.
Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, a renowned political scientist, warned in 2024 that, _”Nigeria is not witnessing democratic consolidation but rather democratic contraction. The shrinking of political space is deliberate and dangerous.”_ His warning rings louder today than ever.
*The Good* : Is There Any Benefit?
In theory, one-party dominance can offer some benefits a streamlined policy agenda, reduced political gridlock, and faster implementation of development projects. Some proponents argue that in a country as divided and chaotic as Nigeria, the centralization of authority could bring stability. The Tinubu administration points to its push for fuel subsidy removal, infrastructural upgrades, and a unified foreign exchange regime as examples of decisive action made possible by its political leverage.
However, even these policies have triggered severe economic dislocations, including hyperinflation, job losses, and the devaluation of the naira. In essence, speed without deliberation has proven counterproductive.
Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and co-founder of Transparency International, put it succinctly: _”Efficiency without accountability is the fast lane to elite capture and mass disempowerment.”_
*The Bad*:Collapse of Opposition and Press Freedom
One of the worst signs of democratic erosion is the annihilation of viable opposition. The PDP, once the continent’s largest party, is now a shell of its former self, divided by internal strife and weakened by state-backed pressure. Smaller parties like the Labour Party and NNPP are routinely harassed, with their rallies disrupted, finances scrutinized, and leaders vilified.
The 2023 general elections, which brought Tinubu to power, were marred by widespread reports of voter suppression, ballot box snatching, and electoral malpractice. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), once seen as a beacon of reform, suffered a credibility collapse.
Additionally, the media is under siege. Critical journalists are detained under archaic laws, and media houses are threatened with closure. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Nigeria in 2024 ranked among the top five countries in Africa for press intimidation.
*The Ugly* : Democratic Autocracy in Action
Bola Tinubu’s presidency is increasingly resembling a civilian dictatorship. Political dissent is stifled, civil society groups are under surveillance, and judicial independence is being eroded. The president’s frequent foreign trips amidst domestic turmoil signal a troubling detachment from the realities faced by everyday Nigerians.
What is worse is the normalization of autocratic behavior under the guise of reform. Appointments are no longer based on merit but on loyalty. State institutions from the EFCC to the DSS are weaponized against political opponents.
_”Democracy is not merely the right to vote every four years,”_ warned Kenyan legal scholar P.L.O. Lumumba, _”it is the right to participate meaningfully in a free society.”_ Nigeria, unfortunately, is veering away from this principle.
*The Nemesis:* Consequences of Centralized Power
The consequences of a de facto one-party state are devastating. First, it breeds apathy among citizens. Voter turnout in the 2023 elections was just 27%, the lowest since 1999. People have lost faith in the system. Second, it marginalizes minority voices, both ethnically and politically. Nigeria is too pluralistic to be ruled by one ideology.
Third, it creates a patronage system where only the connected thrive, further widening the inequality gap. A World Bank report in late 2024 noted that over 70% of Nigeria’s wealth is concentrated in the hands of just 5% of the population.
Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate, lamented recently, _”A nation that surrenders its democracy to a single party loses its soul.”_
*What Can Be Done?*
The path forward requires courageous, collective action:
Strengthening Institutions: INEC must be depoliticized and granted full autonomy to conduct credible elections. Electoral reform is non-negotiable.
Opposition Unity: The PDP, Labour Party, and others must forge alliances, not just to win power but to restore democratic balance.
Civic Education: Citizens must be educated on the dangers of political apathy and the importance of participatory governance.
Media Protection: Journalists must be protected under law, and press freedom must be sacrosanct.
International Oversight: ECOWAS, AU, and global watchdogs must speak out and intervene diplomatically where necessary.
*The Price of Silence*
Nigeria stands at a dangerous crossroads. The allure of stability through one-party dominance is a mirage. It sacrifices accountability, pluralism, and ultimately peace. If history has taught us anything, it is that centralized power always turns predatory.
Thomas Sankara once said, _”You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness. It takes the madmen of yesterday for us to act with clarity today.”_ Let Nigeria’s youth, civil society, and true patriots be that change.
If the current trend continues unchecked, we may wake up in a country where elections are rituals, opposition is symbolic, and freedom is fictional. That is not the Nigeria we deserve.
It is time to resist the creeping autocracy. It is time to reclaim our democracy.
‘Sylvester is a political analyst, he writes from South Africa’
Politics
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has welcomed the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) dismissing the complaint filed against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing the ruling as a clear affirmation of due process and institutional integrity.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the spokesman of the Centre, Obande George, said the verdict of the disciplinary body has once again vindicated the Deputy Speaker and reaffirmed the position earlier taken by CRG that the allegations against him lacked merit.
The LPDC, in its ruling referenced BB/LPDC/1954/2026, held that no prima facie case had been established against the Deputy Speaker and dismissed the complaint in its entirety.
According to George, the decision demonstrates the importance of allowing competent institutions to examine allegations objectively rather than rushing to judgment in the court of public opinion.
“From the onset, the Centre for Responsible Governance maintained that justice must take its course. We insisted that competent institutions should be allowed to examine the issues without political pressure or sensationalism. The LPDC’s ruling has now clearly shown that the allegations had no foundation,” he said.
The CRG spokesman further stated that the decision reinforces the sterling reputation of the Deputy Speaker, who has over the years built a distinguished profile both as a legal practitioner and as a legislator.
“Honourable Benjamin Kalu is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar and an accomplished lawmaker. Attempts by some individuals to impugn his reputation through unfounded allegations were unfortunate and unnecessary.”
CRG also condemned the actions of certain civil society groups that were quick to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside from office even before any formal determination had been made by the relevant authorities.
George described such calls as premature and irresponsible, noting that they contributed to the politicisation of a matter that required sober institutional review.
“It is disappointing that some civil society organisations rushed to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside without allowing due process to run its course. Advocacy for accountability must be guided by facts and fairness, not by sensational pressure.”
The organisation also criticised what it described as the role played by some political actors from the South East who allegedly sought to exploit the controversy for narrow political interests.
According to CRG, it is troubling that certain politicians would attempt to undermine one of their own for short-term political advantage.
“It is even more disturbing that some political actors from the South East appeared eager to weaponise this matter in an attempt to bring down one of their own for cheap political gain. Such actions weaken collective political progress and erode the spirit of solidarity required for national development.”
CRG therefore called on Nigerians to learn from the episode and reaffirm respect for institutional processes and the rule of law.
The organisation stressed that public discourse must be guided by evidence, fairness and responsible engagement rather than rumours or politically motivated campaigns.
“The lesson here is simple: allegations must be tested by competent institutions before conclusions are drawn. Nigeria’s democracy will only grow stronger when due process is respected and reputations are not casually destroyed.”
CRG concluded by congratulating the Deputy Speaker for maintaining calm and dignity throughout the controversy, noting that his composure reflected confidence in the justice system.
@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6
Obasa Appointed to CPA African Executive Committee
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been appointed as a Sub-National Representative to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Executive Committee.
The announcement was formally conveyed through a letter from the CPA Africa Region, which was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, on Tuesday, March 10. The appointment confirms Speaker Obasa’s three-year tenure, spanning 2026 to 2029.
Lawmakers took turns to congratulate Speaker Obasa, praising his devotion to parliamentary service and his consistent efforts to strengthen legislative practice. They described his appointment as a recognition of his hard work and a reflection of Lagos State’s growing influence within the Commonwealth. Members noted that his achievements continue to bring pride not only to Lagos but to Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, Speaker Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, urging them to remain steadfast in prioritizing the progress of the Assembly and to continue working collectively to advance the legislature. He further directed the Clerk to send a formal letter of appreciation to the CPA African Region for the honour bestowed upon him. “Let us always put the House of Assembly first and never relent in our efforts to move the legislature forward, ” Obasa concluded.
The CPA African Region plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of African parliaments within the Commonwealth. It is widely recognized for promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, respect for human rights, democracy, and good governance across member nations.
TINUBU RENEWS TENURE OF THREE PERMANENT SECRETARIES
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renewal of tenure for three Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service, in line with existing public service regulations.
The approval was disclosed in a statement issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, indicating that the renewed appointments will take effect from April 27, 2026.
The affected officials include Kachallom Shangti Daju, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Beatrice Jedy‑Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Justice; and Mary Ada Ogbe, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Regional Development.
According to the statement, the renewal represents a second and final four-year tenure for the officials, in accordance with the provisions of Public Service Rule 020909, which allows Permanent Secretaries an initial four-year term with the possibility of a second term based on satisfactory performance.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson‑Jack, congratulated the Permanent Secretaries on their reappointment and urged them to see the renewed mandate as a call to greater dedication and excellence in service delivery.
She further encouraged them to deploy their experience and professional expertise toward strengthening governance and advancing national development.
The statement was signed by Eno Olotu, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and dated March 6, 2026.
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