Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State and Chairman of the Former Governors’ Forum under the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has warned that Nigeria is “systematically and dangerously sliding into a one-party state” under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Aliyu made the remarks during an interactive meeting between the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the Former Ministers’ Forum. He expressed concern over shrinking political space, growing defections from opposition parties, and the weakening of democratic institutions.

“We observe with alarm the aggressive maneuvers by the ruling APC to obliterate the opposition,” Aliyu said. “The relentless poaching of opposition figures and the weaponization of state institutions to intimidate dissenting voices are clear indicators that Nigeria is sliding dangerously into a one-party state. This threatens the democratic freedoms of all Nigerians.”

He stressed that a vibrant opposition is vital for democracy, serving as a check on executive excesses and authoritarian tendencies.

Aliyu also praised the newly elected PDP NWC under National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), pledging full support from former governors for the party’s renewed leadership.

Turaki, in response, highlighted the PDP’s governance record from 1999 to 2015 as a benchmark for development, citing economic liberalization, banking consolidation, clearance of Nigeria’s foreign debt, and the establishment of anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC, all operating within the rule of law.

Former Kano State Governor and two-time federal minister, Ibrahim Shekarau, representing the Former Ministers’ Forum, encouraged the NWC leadership to continue their efforts, noting that their contributions to stabilizing the party had exceeded expectations.

“Don’t relent; you have done more than expected,” Shekarau said, formally endorsing the NWC and expressing confidence that the PDP is on a path to resurgence under Turaki’s leadership.