The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has sparked controversy with his recent prediction that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will cease to exist by the end of 2025, raising fresh concerns about Nigeria's political landscape.

Ganduje made the declaration while responding to former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, who had earlier claimed that the APC would soon implode, forcing the return of defectors like Ganduje to the PDP.

Through his Chief Press Secretary Edwin Olofu, Ganduje dismissed Lamido's remarks as "baseless and illogical," stating he has no reason to leave the APC for what he described as a "failing opposition."

"In fact, we will soon receive Sule Lamido because very soon he won't have anywhere to go. The PDP is dead," Ganduje declared, adding that internal divisions within the PDP would lead to its collapse before the end of 2025.

The APC chairman further claimed that under President Bola Tinubu's leadership, the APC continues to gain momentum with prominent political figures defecting to the party in large numbers. He described the APC as "the largest political party in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa" and expressed confidence in a "resounding victory" in the 2027 general elections.

One-Party State Concerns

Ganduje previously stirred controversy when he suggested there was nothing wrong if Nigerians decided to have a one-party system of government, citing China as "a perfect example of a one-party state that is doing well politically, economically, and even socially."

"China is one of the strongest countries in the world, and it's a one-party system. We are not saying we are working for a one-party system, but if that is the wish of Nigerians, we cannot quarrel with that," he stated.

These comments, coupled with the increasing rate of defections to the APC, have fueled fears in some quarters that Nigeria might be headed toward a one-party state.

Opposition to One-Party System

However, several political figures have dismissed the possibility of Nigeria becoming a one-party state. Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), assured that such a scenario would never happen in Nigeria.

"There cannot be a one-party state when this is not a welfare state, when it is a selfish accumulation of money for the few who are in the ruling class and the wretched people who are on the streets," Adebayo told Daily Post.

He explained that massive defections do not guarantee a one-party state, adding, "If all the governors go to one party, Nigeria will choose a new set of governors. If all the senators go to one party, Nigeria will choose another set of senators."

Dr. Pogu Bitrus, president of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), also expressed confidence that the PDP would remain viable despite current challenges. "Although things are falling apart in the major opposition Peoples Democratic Party, I believe that those in the party's leadership, especially the trustees, will use wise counsel to keep things in order," he said.

Similarly, Alhaji Yerima Shettima of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong opposition. "We must be able to have a system that allows for checks and balances. When you have a one-party state where nobody talks and things happen the way those in power want, then it will lead to absolute power," he warned.

Despite the concerns, the PDP recently held its long-awaited National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which is considered a significant step toward revitalizing the party amid the ongoing political challenges.