Enugu, Nigeria — A former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and a leading figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has issued a stern warning against the potential emergence of a one-party system in Nigeria. Speaking to journalists in Enugu, Okechukwu accused political actors, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, of fostering a one-party system during their tenure in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The ADC and other opposition parties have voiced concerns over the APC’s dominance, which extends to all but four states. Okechukwu, however, contests these fears, asserting that the ADC, not the APC, is responsible for the seeds of a one-party state. He traced the issue back to the 2022 PDP presidential primary, where the zoning convention was breached, contributing to the party’s decline.
Okechukwu emphasized the significance of the zoning principle, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, meant to foster unity and national cohesion. He criticized ADC member Dele Momodu for undermining the zoning convention and inciting disunity between the North and the South. Okechukwu cited historical precedents, including the sacrifices made by prominent politicians to adhere to the zoning convention.
The APC chieftain expressed optimism that the APC, PDP, and Labour Party would all adhere to the zoning convention in the 2027 presidential election, while the ADC remains skeptical. He warned the ADC against repeating the mistakes of the 2023 election, which relied on the northern electorate’s rejection of their tactics.
Source: allafrica
