According to the Nation, The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has defended the party’s growing dominance across Nigeria’s political landscape, insisting that it reflects the will of the people rather than a threat to democracy. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Basiru urged Nigerians not to be swayed by claims that the country is sliding into a one-party state, stressing that democracy is fundamentally about the freedom of choice.
“We should not allow anybody to gaslight us,” Basiru said pointedly. “Let it be that all 109 members in the Senate are APC, 360 of the House of Representatives are APC, and all the state assemblies are APC. It’s part of democracy.”
His statement comes amid growing public discourse on the spate of defections from opposition parties — particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) — to the ruling APC. Many analysts have expressed concern that the increasing concentration of political power within one party could weaken democratic checks and balances.
However, Senator Basiru dismissed such fears, arguing that the APC’s rising influence is a direct result of the people’s trust in the party’s leadership and governance approach. He maintained that democracy is about numbers and representation, noting that political dominance achieved through legitimate electoral and constitutional means cannot be faulted.
“Democracy is not about forcing people to stay in opposition,” Basiru explained. “It is about persuasion, performance, and choice. If the people, by their votes and political decisions, continue to align with the APC, then that is democracy in action.”
The APC National Secretary further accused critics of hypocrisy, recalling that during previous administrations, the PDP had enjoyed similar dominance at both the national and state levels without being accused of undermining democracy.
He also assured Nigerians that the APC welcomes diversity of opinion within its ranks and remains committed to delivering good governance at all levels. According to him, the party’s focus is not merely on numbers but on consolidating policies that will improve the economy, strengthen institutions, and enhance citizens’ welfare.
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