APC desperate to turn Nigeria into one-party state— Bucknor-Akerele
Former Lagos Deputy Governor Criticizes APC’s Attempts to Centralize Power
By Adegboyega Adeleye
LAGOS — Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, has expressed concern over the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and its alleged efforts to establish a one-party state in Nigeria. During her recent appearance on Vanguard’s political show, Politics Hub, she asserted that the APC’s attempts to undermine opposition ahead of the 2027 elections will ultimately fail.
Bucknor-Akerele highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria, particularly under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. She raised alarms about the rising threats of insurgency and the country’s economic instability, describing the current political climate as “dangerous.”
“This period is fraught with risks. We are confronted by insurgents, and the economic landscape is dire,” Bucknor-Akerele said. “Many individuals struggle to afford a single meal each day, which speaks to the tragic state of our nation.”
She further criticized the APC for trying to infiltrate various political parties, stating, “The ruling party aims to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, but I believe this will not materialize.”
Bucknor-Akerele served as Deputy Governor alongside Tinubu from May 1999 until December 2002, resigning due to political disagreements with him. Reflecting on their working relationship, she noted that they diverged significantly in their political aspirations.
“Tinubu did not want to collaborate with me because he had a different agenda than what the Alliance for Democracy (AD) represented at the time,” she explained. “Our differences stemmed from my unwillingness to assist him in consolidating power within the AD.”
She concluded by emphasizing the distinction between leaders motivated by self-interest and those driven by a desire to serve the public.
The full interview can be viewed on Vanguard’s platform.
