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….Says Nigeria Sliding into One-Party Dictatorship Under APC MCE Warns of “One-Party Dictatorship” in Nigeria
Nigeria’s democratic trajectory has come under renewed scrutiny following a strongly worded press statement by a broad-based pro-democracy coalition under the aegis of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), which has raised alarm over what it described as the “criminalization of dissent” and a steady drift toward authoritarian rule under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The coalition—led by notable public figures including Usman Bugaje, Femi Falana, Oby Ezekwesili, Ayuba Wabba, Pat Utomi, Bilikisu Magoro, and Nkoyo Toyo— in a statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, the group’s Media Coordinator, and issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the group painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s political climate, warning both citizens and the international democratic community that recent developments within the APC—particularly its national convention—pose a “grave and dangerous threat to democracy.”
“The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) is once again compelled to issue an urgent warning to Nigerians and the international democratic community that recent political developments within the ruling APC, culminating in its national convention, represent a grave and dangerous threat to democracy in Nigeria,” the statement read.
Allegations of “Political Orchestration” and Imposed Leadership
The MCE’s criticism centers on the APC’s internal processes, which it claims have deviated significantly from democratic norms. According to the group, the party’s state congresses and national convention lacked credibility and failed to meet the standards of a transparent, competitive electoral process.
“APC’s state congresses and its widely reported non-elective national convention did not in any way measure up to a desired exercise of democratic consensus but rather served as instruments for forced and imposed whims and caprices of a power syndicate within the party,” the statement declared.
The group further condemned the adoption of a “consensus” model, arguing that it effectively disenfranchised party members.
“The so-called ‘consensus’ process of the convention effectively denied party members their fundamental right to choose their leaders freely through an open and competitive electoral process. This is not democracy—it is political orchestration and intimidation.”
Reports of parallel congresses, exclusion of aspirants, and marginalization of stakeholders across several states were cited as evidence of a broader pattern.
“Across several states, reports of parallel congresses, exclusion of aspirants, and sidelining of legitimate stakeholders point to a deliberate plot to eliminate competition, foist compliance, and centralize power,” MCE stated.
“Criminalization of Dissent” Raises National Concern
Beyond internal party dynamics, the MCE warned of a more troubling national trend—the shrinking space for dissent and civic engagement.
“Nigeria today is witnessing the criminalization of dissent—where disagreement is increasingly met with political retaliation, legal intimidation, and reputational attacks,” the statement asserted.
According to the group, this environment fosters fear and suppresses independent voices.
“Democratic participation is being replaced with a culture of fear, where loyalty is rewarded and independence is punished.”
The organization argued that the convergence of these developments—suppressed intra-party democracy, weakened institutions, and restricted civic space—signals a dangerous shift toward a one-party state.
“These trends point toward a dangerous destination: a de facto one-party state, where elections exist in form but not in substance.”
Warning Ahead of 2027 General Elections
With Nigeria preparing for the 2027 general elections, the MCE cautioned that the integrity of the electoral process itself is at risk if current patterns persist.
“If left unchecked, the 2027 General Elections risk becoming a procedural ritual rather than a genuine democratic contest,” the statement warned.
The group also highlighted the broader social consequences of what it described as exclusionary politics.
“Women, youth, and marginalized groups continue to be excluded from meaningful political participation. Reform advocates and civic actors face mounting pressure. The democratic space is narrowing—and with it, the hopes of millions of Nigerians.”
Electoral Reform Promises “Rapidly Eroded”
The MCE expressed concern that earlier commitments to electoral reform are being undermined by current political practices.
“The promises of electoral reform—particularly those intended to strengthen transparency, participation, and credibility—are being rapidly eroded by political practices that prioritize control over competition and exclusion over inclusion.”
Calls for Immediate Action
In response to what it termed “dangerous signs,” the group outlined a series of demands aimed at reversing the trend.
First, it called on the APC leadership to restore internal democracy:
“The APC must halt and reverse the entrenchment of coercive politics and restore genuine internal democracy by allowing free, fair, and competitive participation in all party processes.”
Secondly, the MCE urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take a more proactive role.
“INEC must rise to its constitutional responsibility by refusing to be a passive observer, and instead enforce compliance with democratic standards in party conduct.”
Finally, the group appealed directly to Nigerians across all sectors.
“Nigerians—across political, civic, and social divides—must resist the normalization of authoritarian tendencies, and defend the principles of pluralism, participation, and accountability.”
Stark Warning: “Worse Than Abacha Era”
In one of the most striking aspects of the statement, the MCE compared the current political climate under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to one of the darkest periods in Nigeria’s history under Sani Abacha.
“Nigeria’s democracy today stands at a critical crossroads as Tinubu’s APC regime gets worse than Abacha pariah junta! The choice before us is stark: a republic governed by the will of the people or a political system captured by a powerful few.”
The statement concluded with a call to vigilance and civic responsibility:
“Silence at this moment is complicity.”
As reactions continue to trail the APC convention and the MCE’s explosive claims, political observers say the coming months may prove decisive in determining whether Nigeria consolidates its democracy or slides further into what critics fear could become a dominant-party state.
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