The Strength of Multiparty Democracy in Nigeria

By Okoi Obono-Obla

The Strength of Multiparty Democracy in Nigeria

I believe we are operating a multiparty democracy as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). The opposition’s talk about a one‑party system is idle. The Constitution has not been altered to usher in a one‑party system, nor is there any proposal presently before the National Assembly to introduce such a system or repeal the multiparty framework. Instead of building strong parties, the opposition is busy spreading and peddling the idea of a one‑party system.

It was the opposition that boasted that the APC would crumble and collapse in 2024, with everyone joining the so‑called coalition. But rather than that happening, we witnessed a massive movement of people from the opposition into the APC. This influx has overwhelmed the APC, yet instead of confronting its own weaknesses, the opposition began alleging that the APC is planning to turn Nigeria into a one‑party state, even though there is nothing on the ground to suggest such a plan.

The movement of people into the APC is voluntary. They are exercising their fundamental right to freedom of association and demonstrating the intersection between biology and social science. Human beings behave like molecules in osmosis, moving from one part to another in search of a more conducive environment for survival. Likewise, in politics, people gravitate toward a party that is stable, well‑organized, and capable of giving them hope or providing a platform to realize their ambitions and secure better opportunities.

This is the singular reason why politicians across the country are trooping into the APC. Their own parties are fragmented, disorganized, and unable to provide the protection needed to contest elections or secure second tenures. It is not because the APC seeks to foist a one‑party system—there is no such agenda in the pipeline.

In conclusion, Nigeria remains firmly rooted in its multiparty democratic system. The influx of politicians into the APC reflects the natural dynamics of political survival and ambition, not an attempt to dismantle constitutional democracy. The opposition would do better to strengthen its own structures rather than peddle unfounded fears.