President Bola Tinubu’s assurance against a one-party state receives praise from one activist, urging action, while another human rights lawyer disputes the claim, citing mass defections and economic woes
One-Party State Debate has intensified following President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration that he would not impose a one party system on Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Also read: Nigeria Will Not Be One Party State, Says Tinubu
His statement, made during the Democracy Day address to the Joint Session of the National Assembly, has drawn a mix of commendation and skepticism from human rights activists.
Mr. Vincent Ezekwueme, a Human Rights Activist, praised President Bola Tinubu for his declaration, offering his commendation in Onitsha on Thursday.
Ezekwueme called the president’s position a welcome development but urged him to back it up with patriotic action, not mere words.
He advised the President to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the legitimate national leadership of the Labour Party, in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
He added this would help ensure a fair and level playing field for all political parties in the country.
Ezekwueme further asked Tinubu to investigate claims that many politicians defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) were pressured or coerced, stating that many defections occurred out of fear and the need for protection, rather than genuine political alignment or ideological agreement.
Ezekwueme described the recent increase in GDP and foreign reserves as “cheering news” and a positive sign for the economy.
However, he highlighted soaring inflation, high unemployment, poor exchange rates, youth restiveness, and insecurity as urgent challenges still crippling the nation.
He also praised the President for honouring late democracy icons like Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Humphrey Nwosu, and Gani Fawehinmi.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Lawyer Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor expressed disagreement with the president’s statement denying plans to entrench a one party state.
Ejiofor stated that while the claim may seem accurate on paper, current political events tell a different story entirely.
He specifically noted the mass defections of opposition politicians—including governors and senators—which he argued paint a troubling picture of shrinking political diversity.
According to Ejiofor, such moves raise deep concerns about the erosion of Nigeria’s democratic pluralism and political inclusiveness.
He insisted that these developments cannot be dismissed as coincidental or without broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
On the economy, Ejiofor challenged the President’s assertion that inflation was under control, calling the claim misleading.
Also read: Senator Basiru Blasts Osun APC Faction Over Attacks on Tinubu, Adeleke as Intra-Party Tensions Boil Over
He cited the current inflation rate of 23.7 percent and stated that prices of essential goods remained unaffordable for the average Nigerian household.
