Nigeria Cannot Become a One-Party State – Governor Sule Assures

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has debunked growing concerns that Nigeria is gradually becoming a one-party state due to the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, Governor Sule insisted that Nigeria’s political landscape remains diverse and competitive, despite the current political realignments.

According to the governor, the defections should not be viewed as a threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy but rather as an expression of confidence in the performance and reform-driven agenda of the Tinubu administration. He emphasized that the shift in political allegiance by opposition figures is largely inspired by the positive impacts of recent reforms implemented by President Tinubu across key sectors of the economy.

Political Loyalty and Reform-Driven Confidence

Governor Sule explained that it is not unusual for politicians to align themselves with the ruling party, especially when the leadership at the center demonstrates competence and direction. He attributed the influx of defectors into the APC to the tangible outcomes of reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.

“Every politician wants to be associated with a winning and progressive party,” he stated. “President Tinubu has introduced reforms that, while initially challenging, are beginning to bear fruit. These include the unification of foreign exchange rates, removal of petroleum subsidies, and interventions in the power sector and agriculture.”

He also highlighted initiatives such as skill acquisition programs and the promotion of renewable energy as part of the government’s broader development strategy.

“These efforts are gaining traction,” he said, “and many are beginning to see the benefits. That’s why people are gravitating toward the APC. They want to be part of a success story.”

Defections Do Not Signal the End of Multi-Party Politics

Responding to the notion that Nigeria may be veering towards a one-party state due to these defections, Governor Sule dismissed the idea, asserting that democracy thrives on competition and diversity of opinion.

“I’ve addressed this question before, and I’ll say it again—Nigeria is not becoming a one-party state,” he said. “Even in advanced democracies like the United States, you have dominant parties like the Republicans and Democrats, but smaller parties still exist. The same applies here.”

He stressed that the goal of the APC is not to eliminate opposition parties, but rather to be the dominant political force through performance and public goodwill.

“We want to be the dominant party, the winning party, the party that delivers results,” he said. “If we win 90% of the votes, it’s because people believe in us—not because there is no opposition. We welcome a healthy democracy and competition.”

Focus on Nasarawa’s Development

During his conversation with President Tinubu, Governor Sule said he discussed both national political matters and specific issues relating to Nasarawa State’s development. He highlighted several achievements, particularly in agriculture, energy, and mining, which have earned the state national recognition.

“Just yesterday, we received special recognition in the areas of agriculture and renewable energy,” he disclosed. “Nasarawa currently has the highest number of mini-grids in the country, a development driven by our push in agriculture and mining.”

He explained that the surge in mini-grids is a response to the needs of small-scale businesses, particularly in mining and agriculture, that require localized and reliable power solutions. The peaceful atmosphere in Nasarawa, he noted, has also made the state attractive to investors.

“Investors want a peaceful environment to operate, and Nasarawa has provided that,” he said.

Progress in Lithium Battery Production

Governor Sule also provided an update on lithium battery production in the state—a development that positions Nasarawa as a potential hub for the renewable energy industry in Nigeria.

He revealed that the first lithium processing plant, which was commissioned last year, has a capacity of three million metric tons per annum. Plans are underway to commission an even larger facility within the next two months, which will be three times the size of the existing one. Additionally, three more lithium projects are expected to be launched before the end of the year.

“These developments show that Nasarawa is playing a vital role in the country’s shift towards renewable energy and mineral resource development,” he said. “We’re not just talking about reforms—we’re living them. And it’s making a real impact on our people and our economy.”

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A Call for Constructive Politics

In conclusion, Governor Sule called on all political stakeholders to focus on development and the welfare of the people, rather than partisan rivalry or speculation about the end of opposition politics.

“Our democracy must be built on ideas, innovation, and performance,” he said. “Whether you’re in the ruling party or in the opposition, what matters is your contribution to national development. And that’s what we are focused on.”

As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex political terrain, Sule's remarks underscore the importance of democratic plurality, even amid political consolidation. While the APC enjoys a wave of support, he believes that the presence of other political parties remains vital for accountability and the health of the democratic system.

By Primelineinfo