THE INTER-PARTY Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ebonyi says Nigeria cannot afford a one-party state under a democracy.
The State Chairman of IPAC, Mr Nasir Nwaze, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Wednesday that one-party state was unhealthy for any democracy.
There has been massive defection from opposition parties, particularly governors into the All Progressives Congress (APC) which rules at that federal level.
Some of the defectors include Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.
The gale of defection has raised concerns about potential one-party state as the country prepares for general election in 2027.
But President Bola Tinubu said that 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.
But Nwaze cautioned that: “one-party system is very unhealthy to democratic system, especially to Nigeria nation.
“People defecting to the ruling party of APC do not erase the structures of other parties. They all exist and run their activities independently,” citing the case of Ebonyi.
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, 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)
