NDC Chieftain Warns Against One-Party State, Calls For Protection Of Nigeria's Democracy
A prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Gboluseri Timipre Samuel, has cautioned against what he described as attempts to undermine Nigeria's democratic system, warning that the country must resist any move towards a one-party state.
In a statement titled "Rejecting the Systemic Imprisonment of Nigeria's Future: Why We Must Say No to a One-Party State," the NDC stalwart, who is popularly known as the Apostle of the NDC, expressed deep concern over the nation's worsening economic hardship, insecurity and weakening democratic institutions.
Samuel lamented that despite major government policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy and increased borrowing, many Nigerians have yet to experience meaningful improvements in their standard of living. He noted that citizens continue to grapple with inflation, unemployment, poor healthcare, unreliable electricity, inadequate infrastructure, rising education costs and widespread insecurity.
According to him, many families now struggle to afford school fees and basic necessities, while kidnappings, banditry and violent crimes have created an atmosphere of fear across the country.
He also criticised what he described as the growing loss of public confidence in key national institutions, arguing that justice, accountability and integrity must remain the foundation of any democratic society.
Samuel warned that allowing democratic opposition to be weakened or silenced would ultimately endanger Nigeria's future, stressing that healthy democracies thrive on competition, accountability and the freedom of citizens to make electoral choices.
"A healthy democracy thrives on competition, accountability and the existence of credible opposition. Efforts to weaken or eliminate legitimate political opposition do not strengthen democracy; they weaken it by creating fertile ground for authoritarianism and systemic oppression," he stated.
The NDC chieftain urged Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to recognise that political decisions directly affect their freedoms, livelihoods and future, insisting that governance should never be reduced to partisan loyalty.
He further cautioned that history has shown that authoritarian systems eventually consume even those who once defended them, urging citizens to reject actions capable of eroding democratic values.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to democratic principles, Samuel declared that the party remains resolute in defending constitutional freedoms and the right of Nigerians to choose their leaders without intimidation or political manipulation.
"The NDC remains unshaken, indomitable, and committed to defending democracy under all circumstances," he affirmed, while reiterating the party's opposition to any attempt to impose a one-party state on Nigeria.
