…One-Party System warning comes amid shifting political alliances.
Ibadan, Nigeria — The iNews Times | Concerns over a potential One-Party System in Nigeria took centre stage on Saturday as David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warned that the country may be drifting toward political dominance by a single party.
Speaking at the National Opposition Summit in Ibadan, Mark alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is weakening opposition parties and democratic institutions in a manner that could consolidate power within one dominant structure.
According to him, ongoing political developments appear to be narrowing the democratic space and limiting Nigerians’ ability to freely choose their leaders.
The One-Party System warning comes amid shifting political alliances, defections, and strategic realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Mark argued that sustained pressure on opposition platforms could gradually tilt the political balance, reducing competitive democracy.
He stressed that democracy thrives on credible alternatives and institutional checks, warning that any erosion of opposition strength could destabilise that balance.
Mark also expressed concerns about public trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming that perceived questions about neutrality have weakened voter confidence in recent electoral processes. INEC, however, has consistently maintained its commitment to fairness and independence.
Central to Mark’s message was a call for unity among opposition parties. He insisted that no single party can effectively challenge what he described as a highly entrenched political system without coalition-building and strategic collaboration.
The ADC chairman urged political actors to move beyond personal ambition and prioritise collective action to prevent what he characterised as a gradual slide toward a One-Party System structure.
Political analysts note that Nigeria’s Fourth Republic has largely operated under a competitive multiparty framework. However, prolonged dominance by one party, if unchecked, can influence institutional balance and weaken democratic competition.
Observers say the debate over a possible One-Party System reflects broader anxieties about democratic resilience in Africa’s most populous nation. Across several democracies, dominant-party systems have often emerged gradually through incremental political consolidation rather than abrupt constitutional change.
In Nigeria, factors such as voter turnout, judicial independence, party internal democracy, and media freedom remain critical safeguards against democratic erosion.
Mark warned that if corrective steps are not taken, the long-term implications could reshape Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
With early positioning already underway for the 2027 elections, Mark’s remarks may serve as both a cautionary statement and a mobilisation strategy for opposition forces.
The National Opposition Summit in Ibadan signals renewed efforts to explore coalition frameworks capable of presenting a united front. Whether these discussions will produce a durable alliance remains uncertain.
For now, the One-Party System debate has injected fresh urgency into Nigeria’s political discourse, placing democratic integrity and institutional credibility at the centre of national conversation.
The iNews Times will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as Nigeria’s political climate evolves.
