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Former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, has said the widespread claim by the opposition coalition that Nigeria is becoming a one-party state is a ‘big lie’.

The former Minister of Works and Housing said that while he does not have a problem with people coming together to form a coalition, he is concerned about the true motive and objectives of the people driving and spearheading it.

Speaking on Channels Television, Fashola noted that the coalition underscores some intrinsic elements of democracy as its leaders exercise their right to choose and freedom of association.

There have been concerns about Nigeria’s imminent descent into a one-party state amid the gale of defection by governors and lawmakers from other political parties to the APC in recent months and the protracted crisis rocking the major opposition parties.

The political heavyweights behind the opposition coalition have also cited the unfavourable political climate for opposition parties and the looming threat of a one-party state as one of the reasons for its formation.

The coalition earlier this month adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its party.

However, Fashola said the coalition’s claim is false and that they are trying to make Nigerians believe that Nigeria was going to become a one-party state.

He also said he is yet to see a compelling message and a manifesto that will enable him to make sound and informed decisions on the coalition plan for Nigeria.

“There are many things to take away from those developments. I think perhaps the first is that it puts a lie, a big lie, to the story making the rounds about eight weeks ago that Nigeria was going to become a one-party state.

“So it puts a lie to that because there is an opposition or some quality, whatever that quality.

“Maybe the second point to make is that it is a manifestation of a right to choose, a freedom of choice, a freedom to associate, and one must respect that, as I do.

“In terms of the political consequences, there are many things I’m waiting to see. It’s not just about gathering ourselves together and saying, ‘we want to change Nigeria’. It is very well and good but what is the compelling alternative message?

“So that without a manifesto, without a program of action, I can’t speak to how persuasive the coalition will be, but there’s still a distance to run. So those are my initial thoughts.

“I respect and the right to associate, and Nigeria perhaps benefits from the reawakening of opposition from what has been a long slumber.

“If you ask me, the opposition essentially abdicated its responsibility over the last two years.