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In recent years, reports and developments have suggested that Nigeria is shifting toward a one-party state, where a single political party, the All-Progressives Congress (APC), dominates the most critical political positions in the country. Critics argue that the decline in the influence of opposition parties, coupled with the defection of politicians from other parties to the APC, poses a threat to democratic governance. At Nigeria Political Prism, we are analyzing the current political landscape with data on governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state houses of assembly to assess whether Nigeria is truly moving toward a one-party state.
Analysis of Governors
As of April 2025, Nigeria has 36 governors across its states and one minister in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These governors are distributed across political parties as follows:
All Progressives Congress (APC): 21 states
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): 12 states
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA): 1 state (Anambra)
Labour Party (LP): 1 state (Abia)
New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP): 1 state (Kano)
This data shows that the APC controls 58% of the governors in Nigeria, underscoring their significant influence at the state level. Although the PDP still holds sway with 33% of the governors, other parties like APGA, LP, and NNPP have far less influence, with each controlling only one state. This highlights the APC's dominance at the state level, but it does not yet mean that other parties have completely disappeared.
Senators
The Nigerian Senate consists of 109 senators, with three senators from each state and one from the FCT. Following the 2023 elections, the political parties are represented in the Senate as follows:
APC: 59 senators
PDP: 37 senators
Labour Party (LP): 8 senators
Social Democratic Party (SDP): 2 senators
Young Progressives Party (YPP): 1 senator
New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP): 2 senators
The APC controls 54% of the senators, giving them significant authority in the Senate. The PDP, with 34%, remains a major opposition party, but other parties like LP, SDP, YPP, and NNPP have much less influence, with only a few senators each. This further demonstrates the APC's dominance, but opposition parties still have a presence in the Senate, allowing them to occasionally challenge APC policies.
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has 360 members, elected from various constituencies. After the 2023 elections, the political parties are represented as follows:
APC: 212 seats
PDP: 115 seats
Labour Party (LP): 34 seats
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA): 5 seats
New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP): 4 seats
African Democratic Congress (ADC): 2 seats
Social Democratic Party (SDP): 2 seats
Young Progressives Party (YPP): 2 seats
The APC controls 59% of the seats in the House of Representatives, granting them significant power to shape legislation. The PDP, with 32%, still has influence, but other parties like LP, APGA, NNPP, ADC, SDP, and YPP have fewer seats, limiting their impact.
State Houses of Assembly
State houses of assembly have between 24 and 40 members per state, depending on population size. Data on state assemblies is less comprehensive than at other levels, but reports indicate that the APC controls the majority of seats in many states, including Lagos, Ogun, Kano, and Kaduna. The PDP also holds strength in states like Delta, Rivers, and Enugu, but other parties like LP and APGA have minimal influence. Defections of state assembly members from the PDP to the APC have been reported, further highlighting the APC's dominance at the state level.
In-Depth Analysis
APC Dominance: The APC holds significant power across all levels of government—governors, senators, the House of Representatives, and state assemblies. With 21 governors, 59 senators, and 212 representatives, they have the greatest influence in shaping laws and policies. This is evident in events like the 2023 elections, where the APC secured the majority of seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Decline of Opposition Parties: The PDP, despite being the main opposition party, has lost influence in recent years. Other parties like LP, APGA, and NNPP have minimal influence, with few seats in the Senate and House of Representatives. This allows the APC to dominate major decisions without significant resistance.
Party Defections: Reports of politicians defecting from the PDP and other parties to the APC have increased. According to posts on X, this is one reason people believe Nigeria is moving toward a one-party state. These defections may be driven by political opportunism, incentives, or the perceived strength of the APC.
Challenges to Democracy: A situation where one party dominates all levels of government can lead to a decline in political competition and democratic rights. If opposition parties are not strong, voters may have fewer choices, and policies may not reflect the needs of the broader society.
Nigeria Political Prism's Assessment
Nigeria has not yet fully become a one-party state, as parties like the PDP, LP, and NNPP still hold political positions, albeit with reduced influence. However, the APC's overwhelming dominance across government levels could lead to a near one-party state if opposition parties fail to regain strength. Party defections and the declining influence of opposition parties are warning signs for democracy, but upcoming elections and opposition efforts could prevent this outcome.
Steps Toward Balance
Voter Awareness: Voters need to understand the roles of political parties and vote for those who will represent their interests, not those who switch parties for personal gain.
Strengthening Opposition Parties: The PDP and other parties must work on strategies to reclaim seats and influence in the 2027 elections.
Media Role: The media must play a role in providing unbiased reporting and giving opposition parties a platform to express their views.
Conclusion
At Nigeria Political Prism, we believe that Nigeria has not yet become a one-party state, but the signs of APC dominance and the decline of opposition parties are concerning. The data on governors, senators, the House of Representatives, and state assemblies show that the APC has significant influence, but other parties still exist. Nigeria’s democracy requires political competition to remain vibrant, and voters, political parties, and the media must work together to ensure the country does not fully transition into a one-party state.