The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, has mounted a vigorous defense of Nigeria’s democratic health, dismissing growing concerns that the country is sliding toward a one-party system.
In a detailed response to recent public critiques regarding Nigeria’s political direction, Yakubu argued that the nation’s federal structure remains robust, decentralized, and driven by “competitive fiscal federalism” rather than centralized control.
According to the Budget DG, the financial independence of subnational governments is a primary indicator of a functioning federation. He noted that state governments continue to exercise significant autonomy, supported by statutory allocations and their own independent fiscal authorities.
“What exists is not centralized capture,” Yakubu stated, “but a system of competitive federal alignment shaped by strategic incentives.” He emphasized that the ability of states to manage their own resources and pursue distinct economic paths contradicts the narrative of a monolithic political center.
Addressing fears that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is becoming a hegemonic force, Yakubu characterized the current political climate as one of “coalition consolidation” rather than suppression. He pointed to fragmented electoral outcomes, varying voting patterns across states, and active judicial arbitration as evidence of a resilient democracy.
He defined true one-party systems by the absence of opposition and uniform voting—conditions he insists do not exist in Nigeria. Instead, he described the APC as a multi-regional coalition that fundamentally changed Nigeria’s democratic landscape in 2015 by proving an incumbent could be defeated.
Yakubu attributed the current weakness of opposition parties to internal failures rather than government interference. He identified a lack of ideological clarity, poor organization, and a failure to build broad-based coalitions as the primary hurdles for rival parties.
“Power gravitates towards organization, not indignation,” Yakubu remarked, adding that the burden is on the opposition to reorganize and present disciplined, policy-driven alternatives to the electorate.
The Director-General urged observers to measure the administration’s success through tangible governance rather than political rhetoric. He highlighted several ongoing structural reforms as essential for long-term stability, including:
The removal of fuel subsidies.
The unification of exchange rates.
Increased capital investment and energy reforms.
He dismissed historical comparisons to the political crises of the 1960s, arguing that modern Nigeria possesses far stronger constitutional safeguards and a more institutionalized democratic framework.
Concluding his remarks, Yakubu maintained that Nigeria is undergoing a natural process of political realignment. He asserted that the sustainability of the nation’s political balance ultimately rests on the ability of all parties to effectively compete for power in an open and transparent system.
