A prominent Arewa socio-political organisation has dismissed widespread concerns about Nigeria sliding toward a one-party state as the work of “lazy and fearful politicians,” asserting that political competition remains robust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Arewa Think Tank (ATT), speaking through its convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu at a media briefing in Kaduna, argued that criticisms about Nigeria’s democratic trajectory raised by some opposition figures and civil society actors are politically motivated rather than grounded in reality.
Yakubu specifically challenged those raising alarms about a one-party state, saying such discourse reflects an inability to compete effectively in Nigeria’s multiparty system. “The one-party state talk is for lazy politicians. If you are strong enough, stand your ground,” he told reporters.
His remarks come against a backdrop of a spate of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has fuelled debate nationally about the health of Nigeria’s democratic space. Critics including some governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) argue that the consolidation of political power within one party undermines competitive democracy.
However, Yakubu countered this narrative, saying politicians are gravitating toward the APC not because of coercion or intimidation, but because of perceived performance and leadership appeal within the ruling party. His comments echo those from some APC figures who have described fears of a one-party state as baseless and politically motivated.
The ATT also used the occasion to laud President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and that of allied governors, highlighting socio-economic initiatives and improved security in parts of the country. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State recently feted at an Arewa prayer event was cited as an example of responsive governance.
Yet critics outside the ATT paint a different picture. Opposition leaders and some political commentators warn that continuous party defections and dominant party advantage risk shrinking Nigeria’s competitive political space unless structural reforms are undertaken.
