By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

A politician and renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has dismissed concerns expressed in some quarters that the wave of defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

Utomi spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

NAN reports that APC has recorded significant membership gains lately, with top politicians, including opposition governors, state and federal lawmakers, joining the party.

The recent defection of Gov. Peter Mbah (Enugu), Gov. Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Gov. Duoye Diri (Rivers), Gov.Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Gov. Sherrif Oborevwori (Delta) to APC, has significantly increased the number of states controlled by the ruling party.

Some stakeholders have described the development as unhealthy for the country’s democracy, saying the country risks becoming a one-party state with the direction.

Reacting, Utomi said Nigeria would not become a one-party state despite the wave of defections of governors and their supporters.

The economist said it was not possible for all political parties to collapse into APC, noting that the ruling party will be challenged in 2027.

The political economist said he was prepared to stand alone, if necessary, to protect and preserve the country’s multi-party democracy.

“It will not happen. It will not happen. Even if I alone will be the opposition, I will be,” he said.

Utomi, Founder, Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL), said the conduct of the nation’s political elite had exposed a disturbing pattern.

According to him, the political class has portrayed itself as selfish and that it is not a democratic class.

He described many actors in the system as “rent seekers, who want to be in play, not people who want to rigorously consider options for policy to make life better for society.”

Utomi said the behaviour of the political elite had already set the tone for the next general elections.

He said: “What this means is that the next elections have defined themselves – it is the Nigerian people against the politicians.

“It is not about this party or that party, because in the main, sadly, many of them are the same thing.”

The former presidential candidate urged citizens to remain vigilant and insist on leadership driven by ideas, integrity and public good, rather than personal gain.

Similarly, the Vice Chairman (West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Chief Sunday Olaifa, told NAN that the wave of defections from the party into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot destroy the party.

Olaifa said that PDP would finally unite amid the ongoing national leadership crisis, urging party leaders and supporters to rise above the current crisis.

Olaifa, the Convener of the New Era, a political movement in Lagos, said unity remained essential for the party’s survival and future electoral success.

“I call on all PDP leaders and supporters in Lagos and Nigeria to remain steadfast. Nigeria can never turn to a one- party state,” he said.

According to him, the party has weathered similar storms in the past and emerged stronger.

He recalled the Makarfi–Sheriff crisis, noting that PDP surmounted that challenge through collective resolve.

Olaifa expressed confidence that the current crisis would also be resolved soon, urging members not to lose faith or withdraw their support for the party.

“Better days are ahead for our party,” the PDP chieftain assured.

He said that several efforts had been made through his political movement to rally stakeholders in order to strengthen internal cohesion within Lagos PDP. (NAN)