In recent months, Nigeria’s political landscape has been shifting dramatically. Governors, senators, and top political figures from opposition parties have continued to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The steady collapse of opposition platforms such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) has sparked growing fears that Nigeria is quietly drifting toward a de facto one-party system.
Supporters of this development often point to China, where a one-party system under the Communist Party has delivered economic transformation and infrastructural progress. They argue that political unity could bring stability, faster decision-making, and consistent policies something Nigeria has long struggled with. But the Nigerian situation is fundamentally different, and adopting a one-party reality here may do more harm than good.
China’s Model vs. Nigeria’s Reality
China’s one-party system thrives on discipline, long-term planning, and centralized accountability. It operates under a strong bureaucracy, merit-based governance structures, and a national ideology that prioritizes collective growth over personal gain. In contrast, Nigeria’s politics is largely driven by patronage, personal ambition, and ethnic alliances rather than ideology or development plans.
If Nigeria were to slide into a one-party system, it would likely not produce the same outcomes as China’s model because the foundation is not built on merit or national interest, but on the pursuit of power and protection of vested interests.
When nearly all politicians align under one ruling party simply to stay relevant or “benefit from the center,” democracy loses its essence. Without opposition, there can be no meaningful checks and balances. Corruption flourishes when leaders know there is no credible alternative or watchdog to hold them accountable.
A one-party dominance could breed complacency, weaken institutions, and erode the rule of law. It could silence dissent and make justice elusive especially for ordinary citizens who depend on independent voices to challenge state excesses.
Already, Nigerians have witnessed how party loyalty often determines the outcomes of investigations, appointments, and even court rulings. If the entire political class consolidates under one party, the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and law enforcement could become mere tools of political control.
Justice, in such a scenario, will become selective protecting the powerful while punishing the weak. Opposition voices, civil society, and the media may face growing intimidation or censorship, under the guise of “national unity.”
The Way Forward
Nigeria’s progress does not depend on the number of political parties, but on the strength of its institutions and the integrity of its leaders. A healthy democracy requires diversity of thought, competition of ideas, and accountability.
The real goal should not be to imitate China’s political structure, but to build a system that truly serves the Nigerian people one that balances stability with freedom, and unity with justice.
Until corruption, impunity, and greed are replaced with transparency, patriotism, and good governance, no political system whether one-party or multi-party will work in Nigeria’s favor.
By: Godwin Offor
