Former National Secretary of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), Prof. Udenta Udenta, has dismissed suggestions that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is working towards establishing a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting such an ambition would ultimately collapse.
Udenta made the assertion on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television, where he argued that Nigeria’s political and social diversity makes the emergence of a one-party system unrealistic. He maintained that internal pressures within the APC would weaken the party rather than consolidate its dominance.
According to him, the ruling party is already showing signs of internal strain, citing recent political developments in Rivers State as an indication of deeper administrative and structural challenges within the APC. He said these cracks would likely widen as the party heads into its primary elections.
Udenta further argued that the APC would emerge from its primaries significantly reduced in strength, with rival political parties benefiting from defections and internal realignments. He described Nigeria as a complex and heterogeneous society that would naturally resist any attempt at political monopolisation.
The former AD chieftain also noted that political loyalties in the country are fluid, stressing that politicians frequently realign based on evolving interests and opportunities. He pointed to the growing influence of alternative platforms, particularly in the South-East, as evidence that opposition forces remain viable.
Referencing the rise of movements associated with Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and his supporters, Udenta said platforms once considered politically insignificant have gained renewed momentum nationwide. He added that this trend underscores the difficulty any ruling party would face in attempting to dominate Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027.