Political economist and politician Prof Pat Utomi has dismissed concerns that the recent wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
Utomi made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
Recent reports indicate that the APC has recorded significant membership gains, with high-profile politicians, including opposition governors, state and federal lawmakers, joining the ruling party.
Among those who have defected are Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Duoye Diri (Rivers), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Sherrif Oborevwori (Delta), increasing the number of states under APC control.
Some observers have expressed concern that such mass defections could undermine Nigeria’s democracy and edge the country towards a one-party system.
Reacting to these fears, Utomi insisted that Nigeria would not collapse into a single-party state despite the defections. He emphasised that the ruling party will still face challenges in the 2027 general elections.
“It will not happen. It will not happen. Even if I alone will be the opposition, I will be,” he said.
Utomi, founder of the Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL), also criticised the conduct of Nigeria’s political elite, describing a disturbing pattern of selfishness and undemocratic behaviour.
“He characterised many politicians 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.”
According to Utomi, this behaviour has already set the tone for the next general elections. “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,” he said.
The former presidential candidate urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to insist on leadership driven by ideas, integrity, and public good rather than personal gain.