..…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.