Oladimeji Fabiyi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns about the growing political dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that Nigeria’s political history shows that excessive control by one party can destabilize a democratic system.
Fabiyi expressed the view during an interview on Trust TV while reacting to the increasing number of state governors under the APC across Nigeria’s 36 states. He cautioned that attempts by a ruling party to extend influence into every region could have consequences similar to those experienced in previous republics.
During the interview, the ADC chieftain pointed to developments during the First Nigerian Republic, explaining that the quest for wider political control contributed to tensions that eventually undermined the system.
“I remember in the first Republic. This was exactly what happened when Northern People’s Congress (NPC) controlled everywhere. They were not satisfied and they started poaching into other places. That was what brought down that Republic,” Fabiyi said.
He also referenced the Second Nigerian Republic, noting that similar political ambitions played out during the era dominated by the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
“NPN the same thing. The moment they started saying we have to take down the West. That was what brought down that Republic,” he added.
Fabiyi argued that Nigeria’s political experience demonstrates the risks associated with a situation where one political party seeks to dominate all levels of governance. According to him, such moves can intensify political rivalries and weaken democratic balance.See_More…