A senior analyst at the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, Dengiyefa Angalapu, has expressed concern that Nigeria is gradually drifting toward a one party system in practice, despite formally operating a multi party democracy.
Angalapu made this known in an interview, where he described the current political environment as a dominant party system, with one party wielding overwhelming influence while others struggle to remain competitive.
“Although Nigeria is not constitutionally a one party state, politically we cannot ignore that the country is now largely a one party state,” he said.
According to him, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, currently controls about 31 of the 36 states, a situation he said has significantly narrowed political space and reduced choices available to voters.
“With fewer viable options, many voters may feel discouraged from participating in elections.
“If people believe their preferred candidates or parties have little chance of winning, they will rationally stay away from the process,” he explained.
Angalapu further noted that elections in Nigeria have become increasingly predictable since the 2023 general elections, raising concerns about their competitiveness.
“Most elections are now largely uncompetitive and predictable. When that happens, it raises serious questions about the value for money, considering the huge resources spent on conducting elections,” he said.
He warned that declining competition could result in voter apathy, disillusionment and frustration among the electorate.
While acknowledging that the influx of defections into the APC may appear advantageous, Angalapu cautioned that such dominance could eventually create internal challenges within the party.
“This trend is not entirely healthy for the party itself,” he said.
“We have seen this before with the PDP, which was once the most dominant political force but later weakened due to internal wrangling and contradictions.”
He noted that early signs of internal tension are already visible within the APC, particularly between long standing members and new entrants competing for influence.
“As we approach the 2027 elections, these tensions are likely to intensify, especially during party primaries where not everyone will secure tickets,” he added.
Angalapu also emphasized that Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious composition makes sustained one party dominance difficult without triggering internal conflicts.
“Nigeria is a complex society. Such diversity does not naturally support prolonged one party dominance without generating contradictions that could destabilise the system,” he said.
He added that while the current political consolidation may strengthen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re election prospects, it raises concerns about long term stability.
“What looks like political strength today may, in time, become the source of internal crisis. Only time will tell how long this experiment will last,” he warned.
