Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has dismissed fears that Nigeria is gradually turning into a one-party state following recent defections of politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking with journalists, Obi stated that Nigeria’s democracy remains strong and that no single party can dominate the country simply through mass defections. He explained that while politicians may switch parties, real political power still rests with the people, who are now more aware and involved in the democratic process.

Obi emphasized that Nigerians are now more politically enlightened and can no longer be easily swayed by politicians or party propaganda. According to him, the country’s democracy is becoming stronger because citizens are beginning to focus more on competence, credibility, and good governance rather than party loyalty. “People no longer follow politicians blindly,” Obi noted. “They now vote based on trust, capacity, and integrity.”

The former Anambra State governor explained that the current wave of defections among governors and lawmakers only exposes the lack of ideological commitment among Nigeria’s political elite. He said true democracy thrives when citizens are informed and demand accountability from leaders. Obi maintained that Nigeria’s diverse political structure makes it impossible for any one party to fully dominate the political space, regardless of how many politicians join it.

He also downplayed the significance of the defections, saying that governance should remain the main priority, not power consolidation. Obi pointed out that real leadership is not about having the largest political party but about improving citizens’ lives and ensuring transparency in government. “The measure of leadership is not in how many people defect to your party,” he said. “It’s in how many lives you touch and how many communities you improve.”

Obi concluded by encouraging Nigerians to remain hopeful and active in shaping the country’s democratic future. He said that the visible political realignments are signs of growth in Nigeria’s democracy, as citizens increasingly demand results rather than promises. “Democracy takes time to grow,” Obi added. “We are on the right path as long as people remain informed and engaged.”