Nigerians Will Reject One-Party State – IBB
Former Military President of Nigeria, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), who ruled the country between 1985 and 1993, has reiterated his call for the country to operate a two party system.
This is as he said Nigerians won’t allow a one-party state.
“I have been in a military regime and the Nigerians I know won’t allow a one-party state. I have been a military man and I know dictatorship can survive in a civil society,” the ex-military leader said Friday during an interview on Channel TV’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 19 political parties are registered and operational in Nigeria.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had plans to make Nigeria a one-party state but the ruling APC had said the claim was untrue.
Speaking on the programme, Babangida while advocating a two-party state, said that it would save Nigeria a lot of funds and problems associated with a multi-party state.
He also suggested that aside from two dominant parties, independent candidates can be allowed.
“One can contest as an independent candidate if the person is strong enough to get supporters,” he said.