Lalong Rejects Claims of Nigeria's Shift to One-Party State

Senator Lalong, who is the former Governor of Plateau State and currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, has dismissed claims that Nigeria is gradually transitioning into a one-party state. In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Lalong stated that the notion is baseless and emphasized that democracy allows politicians the freedom to choose their political parties.

He referenced past accusations made during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo when politicians moved to the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Lalong noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) should not be blamed for members leaving, as political defections are common, especially during election periods.

He pointed out that despite the growing number of defections to the APC, other political parties such as the PDP, African Democratic Congress (ADC), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Young Progressives Party (YPP) continue to attract members and win seats in elections.