The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly condemned the recent statement by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, advocating for Nigeria's transformation into a one-party state.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, CUPP National Secretary Chief Peter Ameh described Ganduje's proposal as "uncharitable, undemocratic, unconstitutional, and unrealistic," warning that it poses a serious threat to Nigeria's democratic principles and pluralistic identity.

The controversy erupted after Ganduje, during a press interaction following the defection of three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from Kebbi State to the APC, cited China's single-party system as a model and suggested that Nigeria could achieve similar governance through voluntary defections.

"By urging opposition parties to 'melt into' the APC, he dismisses the legitimate aspirations of millions who support parties like the Labour Party and PDP," the CUPP statement read. "This rhetoric risks alienating entire regions, particularly the South-East, which has long voiced concerns about marginalization."

The coalition emphasized that democracy thrives on competition, choice, and accountability, all of which would be stifled under single-party dominance. They also pointed out that Ganduje's claim that defections reflect public trust in the APC ignores allegations of coercion and inducements often associated with such political shifts.

CUPP further argued that the proposal violates Nigeria's 1999 Constitution, specifically Sections 221 and 40, which guarantee a multi-party system and freedom of association. Establishing a one-party state would require constitutional amendments demanding a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and approval from 24 state assemblies—a feat the coalition described as "improbable" given widespread opposition.

"Ganduje's reference to China, a nation without a constitutional commitment to multi-party democracy, is irrelevant and disregards Nigeria's legal framework," the statement continued.

The coalition also highlighted that Nigeria's electorate has consistently rejected one-party dominance, as evidenced by the APC's rise in 2015 and the Labour Party's gains in 2023. They noted that defections, such as those in Kebbi, often reflect strategic maneuvering rather than ideological alignment.

CUPP has called on Ganduje to retract his statement and reaffirm his commitment to democratic ideals, stating that "Nigeria's strength lies in its diversity, and any attempt to impose a one-party system will be met with resolute resistance."

The coalition urged the APC to prioritize delivering good governance and equitable policies over power consolidation, affirming their commitment to defending Nigeria's multi-party democracy and the rights of all citizens to political choice.