Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned against the covert establishment of a one-party system in Nigeria, cautioning that such political manoeuvring could endanger the country’s already fragile democracy.
Speaking on Wednesday at a memorial lecture in Abuja held in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, Jonathan highlighted the dangers of political manipulation aimed at marginalising opposition voices.
He acknowledged that while some countries, such as Tanzania, have successfully operated under a one-party system, it was the result of deliberate planning suited to their specific national context.
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“Yes, a one-party state may not be evil in itself. Julius Nyerere of Tanzania adopted it to stabilise his country post-independence. Like Nigeria, Tanzania has numerous tribes, languages, and two main religions—Christianity and Islam. He feared that multiparty democracy could deepen divisions,” Jonathan said.
“But it was carefully planned—not accidental. If Nigeria ever adopts such a model, it must be done transparently and strategically by experts. However, if we arrive at it through the back door—through manipulation and coercion—we are heading for a serious crisis.”
Jonathan’s comments come amid rising concerns over the shrinking democratic space in Nigeria, with increasing defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and warnings from civil society groups about creeping authoritarianism.
He called on Chief Clark’s family to consider establishing an annual memorial lecture to continue the nationalist’s legacy and vision for a united and equitable Nigeria.
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Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, also spoke at the event. He lamented that the efforts of Nigeria’s founding fathers, including Clark, were being undermined by worsening insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship.
“The labour of our heroes past is already in vain,” Obi said. “The state of rural poverty, insecurity, and the unbearable cost of living have all betrayed their sacrifices.”
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion, emphasised the importance of prioritising national interest over personal ambition. “Nigeria can only progress if unity and collective purpose are placed above individual goals,” he said.
