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Aliyu raised the alarm while speaking on behalf of the forum during an interactive meeting with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) and the former Ministers’ Forum.

Former Governor of Niger State and Chairman of the former Governors’ Forum on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Babangida Aliyu, has warned that Nigeria is “systematically and dangerously sliding into a one-party state” under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Aliyu raised the alarm while speaking on behalf of the forum during an interactive meeting with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) and the former Ministers’ Forum.

He expressed deep concern over what he described as the shrinking political space in the country, the rising wave of induced defections, and the weakening of opposition institutions.

According to him, these developments amount to a calculated attempt to stifle democracy and impose a totalitarian order on Nigerians.

“We observe with alarm the aggressive maneuvers by the ruling APC to obliterate the opposition,” Aliyu said.

“The relentless poaching of opposition figures, the weaponization of state institutions to intimidate dissenting voices, are clear indicators that Nigeria is sliding dangerously into a one-party state.

“This is not just a threat to the Peoples Democratic Party, but a direct assault on the democratic hard-won freedoms of every Nigerian citizen.”

He stressed that a vibrant and functional opposition remains the bedrock of any thriving democracy, serving as a critical check on executive excesses and authoritarian tendencies.

Aliyu also congratulated the newly elected PDP National Working Committee, declaring the full confidence and support of former governors in the revitalised leadership of the party under its National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

“The PDP is not dead; it is evolving,” he declared. “We are pleased to note that under the stewardship of Tanimu Turaki, the NWC is effectively repositioning the party.

“His leadership has brought a renewed sense of purpose, discipline, and reconciliation that is critical for our resurgence.”

In his response, Turaki sought to galvanise party leaders and supporters, insisting that the PDP’s 16 years in government remain the benchmark for governance and development in Nigeria.

Turaki argued that prevailing socio-economic challenges in the country have vindicated the PDP’s record in office, describing the period between 1999 and 2015 as a “golden era” marked by economic liberalisation, institutional strengthening and national cohesion.

“We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history where the difference between competence and propaganda has become glaringly obvious to the common man,” Turaki said.

“Nigerians cannot forget the PDP’s 16 glorious years. These were years when Nigeria became the largest economy in Africa, when our foreign debt was cleared, and when the middle class was thriving, not disappearing.”

He listed key achievements of the PDP era to support his claims, including the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, banking consolidation, the settlement of the Paris Club debt, and the establishment of anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which he said operated within the rule of law.

Also speaking at the meeting, former Governor of Kano State and two-time Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ibrahim Shekarau, who represented the former Ministers’ Forum, urged the new NWC leadership not to relent.

According to Shekarau, the contributions of the current NWC to the rebuilding and stabilisation of the party have exceeded expectations despite the challenges confronting the opposition.

“Don’t relent; you have done more than expected,” Shekarau charged, as the forum formally endorsed the new NWC leadership, expressing confidence that the PDP is moving forward under Turaki’s stewardship.

lapintoz:
Is anyone stopping you from joining the party of your choice.......you campaigned vigorously for Atiku in 2023. You are poised to do the same in 2027........are you in a one party structure......

Which kind stupidity be this self......

You have your coalition of losers and bandits......no be one party be that......

lapintoz:
Is anyone stopping you from joining the party of your choice.......you campaigned vigorously for Atiku in 2023. You are poised to do the same in 2027........are you in a one party structure......

Which kind stupidity be this self......

You have your coalition of losers and bandits......no be one party be that......

myhotbrain:
Babaginda Aliyu, who tried and failed to stop Tinubu from winning the presidency; supported another Fulani man, Atiku to become the president, after 2 tenures and 8yrs of Buhari, is now crying about Nigeria becoming a One Party State.

Firstly, there is nothing bad about One Party State if it would serve Nigeria better. China, India, Russia and many of the developing nations are benefitting from consistency in ONE political party administration.

Secondly, the single and most important reason that our politics seem to be concerning, right now, is because of the reckless ambition of one man named, Atiku.

As soon as Atiku is permanently retired from running for presidency in 2027, our political environment will become more robust.

But I must add: there should be ONLY 3 ideological-based political parties, namely: conservative, liberal and the center-of the 2.

No amount of cries will stop PBAT from winning 2nd term. God Willing!

myhotbrain:
No amount of defection to APC will make PBAT to win 2nd term. God have already decreased!