2027: Danger lurking as One-party State keeps loading in Nigeria- Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies

Nigerians are witnessing a disturbing trend where one political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is rapidly consolidating power across the country. A glance at the current state of party control across Nigeria’s geo-political zones reveals a worrying picture.

In the South-South, the APC has made significant inroads, controlling 6 out of 6 states. The South-East is not far behind, with the APC controlling 3 states, while the LP and APGA hold 1 state each. The South-West, once a stronghold of opposition parties, has largely fallen to the APC, with 4 states under its belt.

The North-Central and North-West regions are almost entirely controlled by the APC, with a few exceptions. The North-East is a mix, with the APC and PDP sharing power.

This trend raises concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democracy and the potential for a one-party state. The ruling party’s dominance is not necessarily a reflection of its popularity, but rather a result of various factors, including electoral malpractices and the opposition’s weaknesses.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, it is imperative that citizens, civil society organizations, and opposition parties take notice of this trend and work towards promoting democratic values, accountability, and inclusivity. The alternative is a bleak future where Nigerians are denied the benefits of competitive politics and good governance.

The current state of party control is as follows:
South-South:

1. Delta: APC
2. Akwa Ibom: APC
3. Edo: APC
4. Cross River: APC
5. Rivers: APC
6. Bayelsa: APC

South-East:

1. Enugu: APC
2. Ebonyi: APC
3. Imo: APC
4. Abia: LP
5. Anambra: APGA

South-West:

1. Lagos: APC
2. Ekiti: APC
3. Ogun: APC
4. Ondo: APC
5. Oyo: PDP
6. Osun: Accord

North-Central:

1. Benue: APC
2. Niger: APC
3. Kwara: APC
4. Nasarawa: APC
5. Kogi: APC
6. Plateau: PDP

North-East:

1. Borno: APC
2. Yobe: APC
3. Taraba: PDP
4. Gombe: APC
5. Adamawa: PDP
6. Bauchi: PDP

North-West:

1. Katsina: APC
2. Jigawa: APC
3. Sokoto: APC
4. Kebbi: APC
5. Kaduna: APC
6. Zamfara: PDP
7. Kano: NNPP

Observations:

• The APC’s dominance is not necessarily a reflection of its popularity, but rather a result of various factors, including electoral malpractices and the opposition’s weaknesses.
• The current trend undermines the principles of federalism and the country’s diversity.
• The concentration of power in one party poses a risk to Nigeria’s democracy and could lead to authoritarianism.

Recommendations:

• The opposition parties should regroup, reorganize, and refocus on winning elections through popular support.
• The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in future elections.
• Civil society organizations and citizens should remain vigilant, demand accountability, and promote democratic values.
• The media should play a proactive role in holding those in power accountable and providing a platform for diverse voices.

Conclusion:
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, it is imperative that citizens, civil society organizations, and opposition parties take notice of this trend and work towards promoting democratic values, accountability, and inclusivity. The alternative is a bleak future where Nigerians are denied the benefits of competitive politics and good governance.