..…Urges Nigerians to Defend Multi-Party Democracy.

Prince Adelaja Adeoye, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Lagos State and a leading real estate developer, has strongly cautioned Nigerians against any slide toward a one-party state, which he claimed is being subtly engineered by elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adeoye made the remarks on Monday while reacting to the recent defection of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He described the move as one that could significantly reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“A vibrant multi-party system is essential to upholding the democratic principles envisioned by our nation’s founding fathers,” Adeoye said. “It guarantees genuine choice, accountability, and responsive governance for all citizens.

”He noted that Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 was meant to entrench a democratic order where leaders are elected freely through the ballot box, rather than imposed by coercion or manipulation.

However, he expressed concern over recent political developments suggesting a gradual consolidation of power, particularly at the state level.

The PDP aspirant pointed to the recent wave of defections by opposition governors and lawmakers to the APC, noting that the ruling party now controls 31 out of Nigeria’s 36 states, a situation he warned could lead to one-party dominance.

“A multi-party system empowers Nigerians to choose their leaders without fear or favour. It deepens the democratic ideals upon which our republic was founded,” Adeoye emphasised.

“For this to work effectively, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary must remain impartial and professional in the discharge of their duties during the 2027 elections.

”Adeoye, widely regarded as the PDP front-runner in Lagos, confirmed that his governorship bid continues to attract strong endorsements from various interest groups across the state, including the recent backing of the Lagos for Prosperity Group (LPG).

He added that he has also won significant support from PDP members nationwide due to his growing popularity.

He stressed the need for a broad coalition of opposition parties to defeat the APC and deliver the change desired by Lagosians and Nigerians at large.

The aspirant warned that any attempt by the ruling government to use state institutions to suppress opposition voices would be unconstitutional and would provoke strong resistance from the international community, civil society organisations, and citizens who are yearning for a better Nigeria.

Adeoye described the APC-led federal government under President Bola Tinubu as disappointing, saying its economic policies have negatively impacted the lives of ordinary citizens. He accused the ruling party of introducing “anti-democratic tendencies” aimed at hijacking opposition parties to achieve a one-party system “through the back door.”

“Another dimension to state capture has been introduced by the ruling APC… Nigerians are taking note of these undemocratic actions,” he said.

On his vision for Lagos, Adeoye pledged to deliver transformative and inclusive governance, drawing on his extensive experience as a media strategist, thought leader, and real estate developer.

He said his administration would move beyond selective flagship projects to ensure inclusive prosperity for every Lagosian, regardless of class or location.

His three-point agenda, he revealed, rests on education, healthcare, and security as foundational pillars. He also pledged to revolutionise affordable housing through robust public-private partnerships (PPP) to tackle the acute housing deficit affecting millions of residents.

Economically, Adeoye advocated for aggressive diversification away from oil dependency by promoting entrepreneurship, technology hubs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), tourism, the ocean economy, agriculture, and industrial clusters.

These initiatives, he said, would generate millions of sustainable jobs, especially for youth, women, and underserved communities.

He further promised urgent attention to transportation infrastructure, including expanded rail networks and modernised Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems to ease chronic traffic congestion in Lagos.

Adeoye said his governance philosophy would be anchored on environmental sustainability, transparent accountability, and grassroots mobilisation, while creating an enabling environment for businesses and attracting investment.

The PDP chieftain’s comments come as political realignments intensify across the country in the buildup to the 2027 polls.

• Kwankwaso displays his ADC party membership card after registration.

Former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Kwankwaso registered as a member and received his party card on Monday at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano.

The event drew prominent political figures, including David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, Dino Melaye, and John Odigie-Oyegun.

The ongoing leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn, with one faction declaring that the Supreme Court will have the final say on the matter.

In a strongly worded press statement, the faction led by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary, expressed concern over recent developments within the party and reassured members that it has approached the apex court for a definitive resolution on the leadership dispute, particularly regarding what constitutes the party’s internal affairs.

The statement, issued on Monday, March 30, 2026, came amid heightened tension following a PDP national convention held over the weekend by a rival faction allegedly backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Ememobong described the gathering, tagged a “PDP convention,” as a “pre-Easter jamboree” organised by “APC sympathisers and members of Wike’s Autocratic Party.”

He accused the organisers of holding the event in contempt of the Court of Appeal, where parties had agreed on the next line of action, and noted that the validity of the convention is now before the courts.

“Furthermore, they were served with the processes of the appeal at the Supreme Court, as well as other suits challenging the holding of the said convention,” the statement added.

The faction also reacted to a fresh judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Abdulmalik, which reportedly granted the rival group access to the PDP national secretariat and directed security agencies to protect them.

The group claimed it had earlier applied for the judge’s recusal on grounds of alleged bias.In response, Ememobong said the faction has instructed its lawyers to file an immediate appeal against the judgment.

The statement painted the crisis as part of a broader plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government under President Bola Tinubu to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party state on Nigeria.

“These crises are clearly orchestrated by the Bola Tinubu-led APC government, who have shown morbid fear for the existence of alternative political platforms,” it alleged, citing poor performance in security, the economy, and social welfare as reasons for the alleged desperation.

The faction urged PDP members and Nigerians to remain hopeful, stating that the Supreme Court now has a historic opportunity to uphold the Constitution and its previous decisions on the jurisdiction of courts in the internal affairs of political parties.

“We urge our members and all Nigerians to keep hope alive in the sincere expectation that the apex court will come to the rescue of multi-party democracy,” the statement concluded.

The PDP has been embroiled in a protracted leadership tussle involving different factions, with accusations and counter-accusations of external interference and disregard for court processes.

The matter is widely expected to be settled at the Supreme Court. Legal experts say the apex court’s eventual decision could have far-reaching implications for the party’s preparation towards future elections and the strength of opposition politics in Nigeria.