In a powerful address during the memorial lecture for the late elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has warned against the subtle establishment of a one-party system in the country. Jonathan’s caution highlights the threat such a move could pose to Nigeria’s delicate democratic structure, especially amid growing concerns about the shrinking space for opposition politics.
Held in Abuja on Wednesday, the memorial lecture served as an opportunity for the former President Goodluck Jonathan to reflect on the political trajectory of the nation and the increasing challenges faced by Nigeria’s democracy. Jonathan emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic principles, particularly in light of political manipulations aimed at sidelining opposition parties.
Jonathan, who has long been an advocate for inclusive governance, pointed out that while countries like Tanzania have successfully adopted one-party systems in the past, such a structure was well thought out and deliberately planned. Tanzania’s first President, Julius Nyerere, used a one-party system to stabilize the nation in its early post-independence years, a context Jonathan argued is markedly different from the current political dynamics in Nigeria.
Jonathan acknowledged that a one-party state might not inherently be evil, but he stressed that it should not be established through backdoor political tactics. He pointed to Tanzania’s experience, where the system was introduced with careful planning, with consideration for the country’s complex ethnic and religious landscape.
“Julius Nyerere felt that the country, like Nigeria, had too many tribes and tongues, with two principal religions—Christianity and Islam. He believed that a multi-party system would further exacerbate division along religious and ethnic lines, making unity difficult. But it was not a hasty decision; it was a product of thoughtful planning,” Jonathan explained.
He warned, however, that should Nigeria decide to adopt a one-party system, it must be done deliberately and with expert input, ensuring the nation understands what it is committing to. The danger, according to Jonathan, lies in achieving such a system through covert political strategies or manipulations, which could destabilize the country and lead to a political crisis.
“If we arrive at it through the back door by political manipulations, then we are heading for a crisis,” Jonathan cautioned.
The former President’s remarks come at a time when opposition parties in Nigeria are facing increased challenges, with many prominent figures defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This trend, along with concerns raised by civil society organizations about growing authoritarianism, has raised alarms about the future of pluralistic politics in Nigeria.
Jonathan’s warning highlights the need for a political climate that accommodates diverse viewpoints and robust opposition parties, which are essential to maintaining a healthy democracy. Without such an environment, Nigeria risks falling into a political situation where dissenting opinions are silenced, and governance becomes less responsive to the people’s needs.
Echoing Jonathan’s concerns, other speakers at the event, including former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, also stressed the importance of unity and putting the nation’s interests above personal ambitions.
Peter Obi lamented that the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s founding fathers and nationalists like Chief Edwin Clark appeared to be in vain. According to Obi, the ongoing issues of insecurity, poverty in rural communities, and the rising cost of living have undermined the legacy of the nation’s heroes past.
General Gowon, who chaired the event, reiterated the significance of unity in Nigeria’s progress. He emphasized that only by prioritizing national interest could the country overcome its challenges and move towards a prosperous future.
Former President Jonathan’s warning against the establishment of a “backdoor” one-party state serves as a timely reminder of the dangers of political manipulation. While the idea of a one-party system may have worked in other contexts, Nigeria’s political, ethnic, and religious complexities require a more inclusive approach to governance.
As the nation navigates its political landscape, it is crucial that democratic principles are upheld, and opposition voices are allowed to thrive. The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on ensuring that political power remains in the hands of the people, rather than being concentrated within a single party or political elite.