Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, has allayed fears that the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the general election may lead Nigeria into a one-party state.
But the Labour Party (LP) is not convinced, expressing concern over the danger of the APC turning the country into a one party banana republic when it assumes power on May 29.
LP National Secretary, Olukayode Ajulo, hinged this view on the mass defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to the APC since the federal ballot on March 28, leaving the opposition in disarray.
“Events since the flag bearer of the APC was declared winner of the March 28 presidential election have shown that the APC is a party of intolerant go-getters, aggressive and vindictive political Alchemists who would not brook opposing views, much less allow an opposition party to survive.
“With the APC, there is no doubt that our fledgling democracy is at risk of being mangled in the mauling onslaught of and devouring avariciousness of a one-party monster,” Ajulo warned in Abuja.
But Ahmed countered in Ilorin that the “fear is unfounded because real power has actually been restored to the people, rather than the party systems, as the determinants of our democracy.
“And the message is clear: Elected officials must meet the aspirations of our people for good governance or the people will kick them out.”
He stressed that the success of the APC at the ballot box in Kwara is a call for more service delivery to the people.
“We promise to work even harder to make your life better. For us, the significance is immense.
“Our people have not only spoken in unison for change, they also cast a resounding vote for a Kwara State that is progressive and in the mainstream of Nigeria politics.”
Ahmed applauded voters for electing APC candidates for all elective positions in Kwara, from the governorship to state and federal legislatures, the first for a political party in the state.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting “perhaps the most credible and conclusive election in our national life.”