‘Backdoor’ one-party state dangerous for Nigeria – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned against the covert establishment of a one-party system in Nigeria, cautioning that such a move could destabilise the nation’s fragile democracy.

Speaking at a memorial lecture held in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, in Abuja on Wednesday, Jonathan emphasised the dangers of political manipulation aimed at sidelining opposition parties.

The former President noted that while countries like Tanzania practise a one-party system, it was properly planned for, stressing that Nigeria’s complex ethnic, religious, and political landscape necessitates a more inclusive political framework.

“Yes, a one-party state may not be evil after all, because Julius Nyerere of Tanzania used a one-party state to stabilise his country in the early days of independence.

“He felt that the country, just like Nigeria, had too many tribes and tongues, and two principal religions—Christianity and Islam. If we allow multiple parties, some may follow religious lines, others tribal, and unity will be difficult. But it was properly planned; it was not by accident.

“If we must, as a nation, adopt a one-party system, then it must be designed, planned by experts—and we must know what we are getting into. But if we arrive at it through the back door by political manipulations, then we are heading for a crisis,” he said

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Jonathan’s remarks come amid growing concerns about the shrinking space for opposition politics, with an increasing number of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress and complaints from civil society about creeping authoritarianism.

He also urged Clark’s family to institute an annual memorial lecture in honour of the late nationalist, saying it would help sustain his vision for a united, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, lamented that the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s founding fathers and nationalists like Edwin Clark were “already in vain”.

“The labour of our heroes past is already in vain.

“The state of insecurity, poverty in rural communities, and the rising cost of living have all betrayed their sacrifices,” Obi said.

In his remarks, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion, reiterated the importance of unity in the country, noting that “Nigeria can only make progress when national interest is placed above personal ambition.”