By Henry Obetta, LAGOS

A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State, Mr Adelaja Adeoye, urged Nigerians to resist any drift toward a one-party state.

Adeoye made the call in Lagos, while reacting to the defection of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

He said the development could reshape opposition dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the need to safeguard Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

Adeoye warned that recent defections into the All Progressives Congress, APC, suggested a growing attempt to entrench one-party dominance across the country.

He noted that the APC now controls 31 of Nigeria’s 36 states, raising concerns about political imbalance and weakening opposition structures.

He said: “A multi-party system empowers Nigerians to choose their leaders without fear or favour.

“It deepens the democratic ideals upon which our republic is founded and guarantees accountability and responsive governance.

“For this to work effectively, INEC and the judiciary must remain impartial and professional in the discharge of their duties during the 2027 elections.”

Adeoye said Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 symbolised a deliberate shift from military dictatorship to democratic governance driven by the will of the people.

He, however, expressed concern over what he described as “systemic one-party drift” at sub-national levels through ongoing defections by opposition figures.

Alleging that some actions by the ruling party reflected “anti-democratic tendencies” aimed at weakening opposition parties, he said: “Another dimension to state capture has been introduced through attempts to hijack opposition parties and impose a one-party system through the back door.

“Nigerians are taking note of these undemocratic actions and will respond appropriately in defence of democracy.”

He, however, warned against the use of state institutions to suppress opposition voices, describing such moves as unconstitutional and dangerous to democratic stability.

“Any attempt to deploy state institutions against opposition will provoke resistance from citizens, civil society groups and the international community,” he said.

On his ambition, Adeoye said his governorship bid had continued to attract widespread support from party members and interest groups across Lagos State.

He cited a recent endorsement from the Lagos for Prosperity Group, LPG, as a sign of growing confidence in his candidacy.

He said his vision for Lagos is anchored on inclusive and transformative governance that prioritises the welfare of all residents.