The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, has dismissed claims that there is a plan to have only one political party on the ballot in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Politics Today, Dare clarified that the political space remains open and competitive, stressing that no effort is being made to sideline opposition parties in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His remarks followed protests by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which accused the electoral body of attempting to exclude it from the 2027 polls. The controversy arose after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended recognition of the party’s leadership factions due to conflicting court rulings and ongoing internal disputes.
Dare rejected allegations of political interference, stating that Nigeria currently has about 20 registered political parties, all free to operate. According to him, the APC cannot be blamed for the internal crises affecting rival parties.
“There are multiple political parties in the country, and none is being prevented from functioning. The APC will not shut down simply because others are facing challenges,” he said.
He further accused opposition groups of relying on public sentiment rather than focusing on building strong and viable political structures capable of competing effectively. He emphasised that developing a formidable political party requires time, sacrifice, and strategic effort.
Responding to concerns about shrinking democratic space, Dare insisted that the government respects freedom of expression and political participation. He pointed to the ability of opposition members to stage protests and the media’s freedom to criticise the government as evidence of a functioning democracy.
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“Journalists criticise the President daily without restriction, and opposition leaders are free to express themselves. That is proof that the democratic space is open,” he added.
Dare also questioned whether it was the responsibility of the President to organise or stabilise opposition parties, arguing that such expectations were misplaced. He maintained that the challenges facing the ADC were self-inflicted and not the result of government action.
He concluded by urging political actors to focus on internal development rather than attributing their shortcomings to external forces, noting that sustainable political success depends on discipline, organisation, and hard work.
