The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of intentionally sowing discord among leading opposition parties to steer Nigeria towards a one-party system.
In an interview, NNPP’s national publicity secretary, Ladipo Johnson, asserted that the internal turmoil currently affecting his party, along with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, is no coincidence. He noted that there has been a recent trend of members from both the PDP and Labour Party defecting to the APC within the National Assembly.
Johnson emphasized that a potential solution to these defections would be a constitutional amendment requiring politicians to remain with their elected parties until the end of their terms. He added that the ultimate power lies with the electorate, who can initiate recall actions by gathering signatures from constituents.
The NNPP spokesperson criticized President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a member of the Federal Executive Council, arguing that this has further divided the PDP and placed it under the influence of the National Working Committee.
“Many observers have suggested that the current administration appears to be steering Nigeria towards a one-party state. Democracy thrives on the principle of free will. However, the leading opposition parties are grappling with significant internal challenges, some of which are quite evident in their origins,” Johnson stated.
He continued, “For example, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who is still affiliated with the PDP, is believed by many to be exerting control over the PDP’s National Working Committee. This creates a conflicting dynamic for the PDP as an opposition party, given that a key figure within it holds a cabinet position in the Federal Executive Council.”
Johnson also pointed to similar issues within the Labour Party and acknowledged challenges within the NNPP itself, where expelled members have attempted to destabilize the party. However, he asserted that the NNPP has successfully prevented these individuals from gaining influence and causing further disruption.
