Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dismissed concerns that the wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) could push Nigeria towards a one-party state, insisting that such fears are unfounded and historically inaccurate.

Speaking with journalists at the weekend, Sule recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) once controlled about 29 states while it held power at the centre, yet Nigeria did not descend into a one-party system.

Recall that Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) have all defected to the APC in recent times. Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu is also expected to formally defect in January 2026.

The APC has also welcomed several defectors from the National Assembly, a development that has strengthened the party’s ranks and given it more than a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

But Governor Sule said, “We are not drifting into a one-party state. Today, we have about 28 governors in one party. Around 2013 and 2014, the PDP had about 29 governors, and Nigeria did not become a one-party state.”

He stressed that a one-party system is incompatible with democratic ideals and argued that no political party, including the APC, has an interest in undermining Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

“One-party system is not good for democracy, and I do not believe any party, including the APC, wants to pursue that,” Sule added.

The governor assured the people of Nasarawa State of his continued commitment to good governance, noting that public service remains his priority beyond his current role.

“It is the people of Nasarawa State who drafted me to be governor. If they draft me for any other position, and I believe I can do the job, I will do it,” said Sule, who is serving his second term.

On the economy, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, describing it as critical to the development currently being recorded in Nasarawa State and across the country.

According to the governor, the reforms have laid a solid foundation for economic growth, triggering what he described as an “economic boom” that has enabled states to execute key projects.

“We are grateful to Mr President for these reforms and to Nigerians for accepting them. That is why we are where we are Today,” he stated. (Daily Trust)

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