APC First Victim of Tinubu’s Alleged One-Man Rule, Says SDP’s Adebayo

SDP chieftain warns of declining internal democracy, rejects claims of emerging one-party state

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By Anaga Chimdindu | Abuja, Nigeria – April 10, 2026

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is the first casualty of what he described as a growing one-man rule under President Bola Tinubu.

Adebayo, who spoke during an appearance on Channels Television on Thursday, dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party system. Instead, he argued that the current political trajectory points to a concentration of power in the hands of a single individual.

According to him, the leadership style of President Tinubu poses risks not only to opposition parties but also to members of the ruling APC.

“In my candid observation, Nigeria is not moving towards a one-party state. What we are seeing is the risk of a one-man rule,” Adebayo said.

He maintained that those within the APC who believe the administration is strengthening the party’s dominance may be mistaken, warning that such expectations could ultimately undermine the party’s internal structure.

Adebayo further alleged that internal democracy within the APC is weakening, with party members increasingly subjected to centralized decision-making.

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“The first victims of this one-man rule are even the APC itself. They are getting used to having zero internal democracy and being dictated to by their leader,” he stated.

Concerns Over Internal Party Democracy
The SDP chieftain contrasted the APC with other established political parties across Africa, noting that strong parties typically maintain robust internal processes that ensure accountability and collective decision-making.

He argued that a system dominated by a single authority could erode institutional strength, making it difficult for political parties to function effectively or independently.

Warning Against Authoritarian Drift
Adebayo cautioned that continued centralisation of power could create an environment where political actors are compelled to operate under strict control, limiting dissent and internal debate.

He stressed that such a political climate would not only weaken party structures but also pose broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic development.