Former presidential media aide, Reno Omokri, has stated that Nigeria is not sliding into a one-party state under President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the current wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) reflects political dominance rather than dictatorship.
Omokri, an ambassador-designate under the Tinubu administration, said the term “one-party state” is being misused, noting that such a system exists only where opposition parties are legally banned or crippled by unequal legal barriers.
He argued that Nigeria retains freedom of association, with multiple parties lawfully registered and able to operate, and that voluntary defections do not amount to authoritarianism.
The former presidential aide recalled that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) once controlled 28 governorships in 2004 without Nigeria being described as a one-party state.
He questioned claims of repression, asking whether any opposition party has been banned or legally obstructed from organising, contesting elections or campaigning.
Omokri said Nigeria has a long history of political realignments, citing pre- and post-independence coalitions and cross-carpeting when incumbents were perceived to be performing well.
He pointed to historical examples from the First and Second Republics where opposition leaders aligned with ruling parties without the collapse of democratic structures.
Addressing allegations that anti-graft agencies are being used against opposition figures, Omokri said investigations and prosecutions have also involved members and allies of the ruling party.
He cited cases involving former ministers and governors linked to the APC, arguing that corruption probes should be met with legal defence rather than claims of persecution.
Omokri added: “The truth of the matter is that Nigeria is not a one-party state.
“However, we are a country with a dominant party that has dominated the political space by offering the type of good governance that has seen it fulfil its four cardinal campaign promises, including removing fuel subsidies, floating the Naira, devolution of power from the Federal to the States and Local Governments, and the provision of student loans.”
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.