As the political landscape undergoes significant transformations in anticipation of the 2027 electoral cycle, Hon. Barr. Seyilnen Luzu, a distinguished figure and a leading aspirant for the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam (PKK) Federal Constituency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has issued a grave warning regarding the escalating trend of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a fervent appeal disseminated this week, Luzu articulated profound apprehension concerning the mass exodus of politicians from various platforms—most notably the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)—into the ruling party, including the Governor of Plateau State and his loyalists who recently departed from the PDP to align with the ruling party. He cautioned that this phenomenon jeopardizes the democratic advancements Nigeria has attained since its return to civil governance.
The Perils of a One-Party System In his own words, “the current ‘wave of defections’ to the ruling party is contrived and a blatant orchestration by the ‘powers that be’ to monopolize the opposition at all costs, with the intention of creating an unchallenged environment ahead of the 2027 elections, thereby steering Nigeria towards a one-party system.”He contended that a “deficiency of robust opposition poses a direct threat to our cherished democracy as Nigerians, for if this maneuver by the ruling party is permitted to persist, it will ultimately erode accountability, and the fundamental rights of the electorate will be irrevocably compromised. As the adage goes, ‘the drummer who plays the beats undoubtedly dictates the dance that ensues’; thus, we may witness a series of appointments masquerading as elections come 2027, leading Nigeria’s democracy to regress.
Democracy flourishes on choices and the diversity of ideas, and when we allow the political arena to be consumed by a singular entity, we inadvertently invite complacency and authoritarianism. We must resolutely reject any attempt to stifle alternative voices (the opposition). A Call for Deliberate Strengthening of Our Democracy He further stated, “I implore all Nigerians who are patriotic and cherish our evolving democracy, and who do not belong to the ruling party (APC), to join other political entities across Nigeria whose constitutions and ideologies resonate with them, and to labor assiduously to forge a formidable opposition. I have allied myself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and am diligently working to cultivate the same.”He emphasized that the vitality of a democracy is gauged by the integrity of its opposition. He challenged his peers to “engage in opposition with integrity,”emphasizing policy-oriented critiques rather than vacuous, emotional, or opportunistic arguments.
Consolidating Democratic Gains In conclusion, he asserted, “We must fortify the gains we have achieved over the years. This necessitates the establishment of parties that serve as bastions of ideologies, not merely as instruments for securing electoral victories. I call upon all genuine democrats in Plateau and throughout Nigeria to remain steadfast, bolster their platforms, and ensure that our voices remain diverse and our leaders perpetually accountable.” About Seyilnen Luzu In addition to being a renowned lawyer, he is widely acclaimed for his advocacy for grassroots empowerment and his unwavering commitment to principled and progressive leadership within the Nigerian political landscape.
