The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ebonyi State has declared that Nigeria cannot accommodate a one-party state within its democratic framework. Mr. Nasir Nwaze, the state chairman of IPAC, made this observation during a Wednesday interview with journalists in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, where he stressed that a system dominated by a single party is detrimental to any democracy. This statement comes amidst substantial defections from opposition parties, most notably by governors, into the All Progressives Congress (APC), the current federal ruling party. Prominent defectors include Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta. This trend of defections has fueled apprehension regarding the possible rise of a one-party state as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections. Conversely, while addressing a Joint Session of the National Assembly to commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, President Bola Tinubu maintained that the APC is not directing Nigeria toward a one-party system. Despite this, Nwaze offered a warning, stating that a one-party structure is extremely unhealthy for a democracy, particularly for Nigeria. He noted that the defection of individuals to the ruling APC does not dissolve the structures of other parties, which continue to exist and operate autonomously. He further stated that IPAC is dedicated to resolving political disputes and fostering peaceful coexistence among all political parties. Nwaze explained that IPAC serves as the umbrella organization for all political parties registered and recognized by INEC. He added that the governance structure in Ebonyi promotes cooperation among political party members rather than hostile opposition. He concluded by reiterating that a one-party system is not conducive to democracy, emphasizing that every political party in Ebonyi is free to recruit members and present candidates, leaving the final decision on who governs to the electorate.
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