Former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, has rejected claims that Nigeria is sliding into a one-party system following the recent wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the convocation lecture of Achievers University in Ondo State, Mohammed argued that concerns about political domination are exaggerated and rooted in a poor understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution.
According to him, mass defections are not a new phenomenon, noting that similar political shifts have occurred at different stages of the nation’s democratic journey. He emphasized that such movements are a natural feature of a developing democracy rather than a sign of political imbalance.
Mohammed faulted the narrative that Nigeria’s political space is shrinking, stressing that the country has always experienced fluid party affiliations, especially during periods of political transition or heightened competition. He maintained that these shifts reflect strategic realignments by politicians rather than an erosion of democratic choice.
The former minister also reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the APC. He explained that although he no longer operates at the forefront of national politics, he continues to support the administration through behind-the-scenes engagements.
“I remain a committed member of the APC,” he said, adding that his current role allows him to contribute discreetly after years of public-facing service in government.
Mohammed’s remarks come amid heightened political debate over the future of Nigeria’s multi-party system, with critics warning that growing defections to the ruling party could weaken opposition forces. However, his position suggests that such concerns may be overstated, framing the current political climate as part of the country’s democratic evolution rather than a drift toward one-party dominance.
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