Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed concerns that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, attributing the situation to a weakened opposition that has failed to provide a credible alternative to the ruling party.
In an interview with ARISE News on Sunday, Ajiboye responded to criticism over the growing number of defections to the APC, including prominent figures from opposition parties. He argued that this shift does not indicate democratic decline but rather reflects confidence in the governance of the APC under President Bola Tinubu.
“I do not believe that Nigeria is moving towards a one-party state. These are expressions of fear and panic by those who cannot keep up with the pace at which APC is moving. If Nigeria ever drifts into a one-party state, then blame the opposition for not providing a credible alternative,” Ajiboye said.
He further criticized the opposition, particularly the Labour Party and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for their inability to offer strong leadership. He described the Labour Party as “self-destructive” and suggested that its leadership, including Peter Obi, lacked the necessary qualities to lead the nation. He also accused the PDP of having “destroyed itself” and failing to offer a viable opposition.
Ajiboye stated, “If they [the opposition parties] had their house in order, especially the Labour Party, which is in its embryonic stage and self-destructing, they would have been able to provide credible opposition. APC, during the PDP era, was a strong opposition. We never gave up and continued offering the Nigerian people a real alternative.”
He emphasized that the APC’s appeal was not through coercion but through its strong ideological foundation and the promise of stability and reform. He likened the party’s growth to a beautiful house attracting others who wanted to join, saying, “When you build something beautiful, people are naturally drawn to it, and you don’t shut your doors.”
Ajiboye praised President Tinubu for his leadership, stating that his administration was focused on correcting past mistakes and implementing reforms despite the challenges. “We have a leader, President Bola Tinubu, who is steering Nigeria like never before. He is making great efforts to solve the problems facing the Nigerian people. The results are already showing,” he said.
He also rejected claims that the country was becoming a one-party state, arguing that critics of the administration were simply reacting to the positive changes taking place under Tinubu’s leadership. “Nigeria is just getting it right for the first time,” he concluded.
