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

Aliyu spoke during an interactive meeting between the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) and the Former Ministers’ Forum, highlighting what he described as shrinking political space, increasing defections from opposition parties, and the weakening of key 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 emphasized that a strong opposition is essential for democracy, acting as a check against executive overreach and authoritarian tendencies.

Aliyu also commended the newly elected PDP National Working Committee under National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), pledging the full support of former governors for the party’s revitalized leadership.

Turaki, in his remarks, underscored the PDP’s record in government from 1999 to 2015 as a benchmark for governance and development. He highlighted achievements such as economic liberalization, banking consolidation, clearance of Nigeria’s foreign debt, and the creation of anti-corruption agencies like 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, urged the NWC leadership to continue its efforts, stating that their contributions to stabilizing the PDP had exceeded expectations despite the challenges facing the opposition.

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