Leading opposition figures have strongly rejected a proposal to limit Nigeria’s number of political parties to a maximum of 10.
The suggestion was made by Senator Muntari Dandutse during a debate on a new electoral bill. He argued that the current number of parties is unwieldy, with many existing “only on paper.”
However, the idea was immediately criticized as an attack on democratic freedoms. Chief Peter Ameh of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) called it a “dangerous step backward.” He stated that the proposal violates the constitutional right to freedom of association.
Chief Chekwas Okorie, a founding chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), also opposed the cap. He argued that for a diverse country like Nigeria, a multi-party system is best. He said limiting parties would deny citizens their right to political choice.
Opponents warn that the move could drag Nigeria back toward a one-party system, undermining its democracy.
