Abuja: In spite of the wave of defections from opposition political parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Rep. Eugene Dibiagwu (APC-Imo) has dismissed insinuations that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state. Dibiagwu, who represents Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency, stated this during an appearance at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series in Abuja on Sunday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the mass movement into the APC is simply because politicians desire ‘relevance’ in the political space. Dibiagwu remarked, “The country is not drifting into a one-party system. Every politician wants to be relevant at any point in time. What is happening within the opposition is quite unfortunate.”
Dibiagwu criticised the opposition, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for what he described as its failure to effectively play the role of an opposition. He commented, “If your assertion of a drift towards a one-party system is true, then it is the opposition that is making it so. They have refused to do the work of the opposition.”
He further stated, “Look at what is happening in PDP; people are looking for a place where they feel secure. Some individuals are ensuring that the right thing is not being done.” The lawmaker stressed that APC was not coercing anyone to join it, adding, “People see safety in joining APC. That does not mean Nigeria is tending towards a one-party system.”
Dibiagwu emphasized the role of the opposition, saying, “The opposition should do its work. You don’t blame APC for people defecting. If someone comes to my house, I won’t shut the door. I’ll welcome the person because there is something he sees in my house. In APC today, we have peace and those who cannot organise their own houses prefer to come where peace already exists.”
Regarding his future political plans, Dibiagwu stated that his decision to contest again in 2027 would be guided entirely by his constituents. “If they believe I have done very well and ask me to return, I will not disobey them. If they say I have not done well and should step aside, it is not a do-or-die affair. I have a thriving business I can fall back on,” he stated.
The lawmaker expressed confidence that his constituents recognized his performance and would support him, whether for the same seat or a higher office. On the current security situation in the country, he described it as ‘quite unfortunate,’ noting that Nigerians faced daily threats to their lives. “Security is everybody’s responsibility. It is only when it comes close to you that you understand what Nigerians are suffering every day,” he said.
Dibiagwu commended President Bola Tinubu for the recent restructuring within the security architecture. “The president’s redeployment and replacement of some service chiefs shows he has a plan. Let us observe the outcome. I am sure he is not sleeping over the issue of insecurity. With the new marching orders given to these security chiefs, I believe things will change,” he assured.