November 6, 2025
Chief Dr. Chekwas Okorie, founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Convener of the Igbo Agenda Dialogue, has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s political future lies in multiparty democracy, stressing that the nation’s diversity makes a one-party system impossible.
Okorie made the remark during an interview at the second National Conference and 10th-anniversary celebration of the Progressives Ambassadors of Nigeria, held in Abuja. He dismissed growing fears that the country was drifting toward a one-party state, describing such concerns as unfounded and contrary to Nigeria’s political realities.
According to him, multiparty democracy remains essential because of Nigeria’s vast cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity. He said the nation’s size and complex social structure naturally promote political plurality and prevent long-term domination by any single political party.
“There is no possibility of Nigeria becoming a one-party state,” Okorie said firmly. “Our people are politically aware, and the diversity of this country makes that impossible. The idea that one party can dominate forever is an illusion.”
He explained that the recent wave of political defections should not be seen as the end of multiparty democracy, but rather as part of normal political realignment found in every thriving democracy. “Very soon, there will be another round of defections in the opposite direction,” he added. “These shifts are driven by political interests and evolving alliances, not by the collapse of opposition.”
Okorie, who pioneered APGA as a third-force alternative in Nigeria’s politics, maintained that the foundations of multiparty democracy remain strong despite governance challenges. He noted that opposition parties continue to grow in regions where they enjoy comparative advantages, ensuring competition and accountability.
“No ruling party can maintain absolute control in a country where voters are becoming more enlightened,” he said. “Nigerians now demand transparency, inclusion, and results, which are the lifeblood of multiparty democracy.”
He urged politicians to focus less on partisan rivalry and more on service delivery, emphasizing that leadership in a democracy requires persuasion, tolerance, and respect for dissenting voices. Okorie also called for electoral reforms that would strengthen internal party democracy, improve primaries, and enhance the independence of electoral institutions.
He commended Nigeria’s youth for their growing political participation, describing it as a sign of renewal for democratic governance. “The younger generation must stay engaged, question policies, and drive accountability,” he said.
Concluding, Okorie said Nigeria’s future depends on its ability to uphold political diversity and democratic competition. “No single political party can represent the hopes of all Nigerians,” he said. “Our unity and progress depend on embracing the strength of multiparty democracy.” Visit GMTNewsng for more news.
