The Lagos State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmen Forum has urged Nigerians to resist the plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to turn the country into a one-party system.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the Chairman of the Forum, Chief Aderounmu Wasiu Adeyemi, said a one-party system is fundamentally incompatible with democratic ideals; it breeds authoritarianism, suppresses dissent, and ultimately paves the way for dictatorship.
The Forum also condemned the demolition of Makoko and other riverine communities by the state government without adequate notice, meaningful engagement or sustainable resettlement plans.
It said: “We unequivocally condemn the severe hardships currently being experienced by citizens under the APC-led administration. Across critical sectors, including economic stability, security, infrastructure, and public welfare, this government has consistently fallen short of its responsibilities to the people of Lagos State.
“It is disheartening that many residents now feel alienated in their own land, subjected to policies that appear disconnected from their daily realities and welfare.
“We are particularly alarmed by the inhumane and insensitive demolition of communities such as Makoko, Otumara, and Otto. These actions, carried out without adequate notice, meaningful engagement, or sustainable resettlement plans, have rendered countless families homeless, stripped of their livelihoods, and deprived of their dignity.
“Equally troubling is the inadequate access to quality healthcare, especially in remote and underserved areas of Lagos. This glaring neglect poses serious risks to the most vulnerable populations and is unacceptable for a state widely regarded as Nigeria’s economic hub.
“The worsening security situation further compounds the plight of our people. The recurring loss of young lives due to cult-related violence, kidnappings, and other criminal activities reflects a grave failure of governance and the fundamental duty to safeguard lives and property.
“It is evident that the APC administration has lost direction. However, Nigerians are increasingly politically conscious and understand the urgent need for unity among opposition parties to provide a credible alternative capable of delivering a safer, fairer, and more prosperous Lagos and Nigeria.
“At this critical juncture, we must sound a clear warning against the dangerous drift toward a one-party system in Nigeria. A one-party system is fundamentally incompatible with democratic ideals; it breeds authoritarianism, suppresses dissent, and ultimately paves the way for dictatorship.
“Nigeria’s democracy was built on the foundation of pluralism, healthy opposition, and the free contest of ideas. We recall vividly that when the APC was in opposition, the PDP, as the ruling party at the time, never gagged or suppressed opposition voices. Democracy was allowed to thrive.
“Notably, President Bola Tinubu himself moved freely across political platforms from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the Action Congress (AC), to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and eventually into the APC, without intimidation or suppression. That political freedom must not now be denied to others.
“We therefore firmly reject the APC’s emerging one-party logic. Nigeria does not belong to any single party, and it certainly is not an APC country. This nation belongs to all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.
“Any attempt, subtle or overt, to impose political dominance or silence opposition voices is unacceptable and will be resisted within the bounds of democratic engagement. We also call on the judiciary to uphold its integrity by ensuring the expeditious hearing of the PDP legal matters currently before the Supreme Court.”
The Forum also affirmed its undiluted loyalty to the Dr Amos Fawole-led state exco and Dr Tanimu Turaki-led national leadership as the duly elected and legitimate authorities of the party.
“We also proudly recognise and align with our national leaders, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and Chief Olabode George, whose leadership continues to provide direction, stability, and inspiration for our great party.
“We, therefore, urge all Lagosians to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of these challenges, which have been exacerbated by policies that fail to prioritise the welfare of the people. Be assured that the opposition remains committed to providing purposeful leadership and people-oriented governance at both the state and national levels,” it said.
