Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned against what he described as a creeping transformation of Nigeria into a one-party state, warning that such a trajectory, if not transparently and deliberately planned, could jeopardize the nation’s democracy.
At a memorial lecture in honour of Chief Edwin Clark, Jonathan stressed that Nigeria’s political complexity requires inclusive and well-structured systems rather than backdoor political dominance.
Drawing comparisons with Tanzania, Jonathan acknowledged that the country’s first president, Julius Nyerere, had implemented a one-party system to unify the nation during its early post-independence years.
However, he noted that unlike Nigeria, Tanzania’s approach was strategic, well-researched, and suited to its particular socio-political context.
He pointed out that in Nigeria, any attempt to establish a one-party rule through political manipulation rather than structured reform would lead to unrest, given the country’s diverse ethnic, religious, and regional dynamics.
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Jonathan further emphasized that while a one-party model is not inherently negative, it must be deliberately adopted through national consensus and expert planning.
He expressed concern that the rising number of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, along with increasing complaints from civil society about shrinking opposition space, could signify an undemocratic tilt that threatens Nigeria’s political pluralism.
Also speaking at the event, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi expressed disappointment over the current state of the country, lamenting that the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s founding fathers were being undermined.
Obi said the vision of leaders like Edwin Clark is being eroded by persistent insecurity, widespread poverty, and a growing cost of living crisis, which he said have betrayed the dreams of a united and thriving nation.
The event also featured remarks by former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who served as the chair of the occasion. Gowon underscored the importance of prioritizing national interest over personal or partisan ambition. He reiterated that Nigeria’s progress hinges on unity, mutual respect, and responsible leadership.
Jonathan concluded by urging Clark’s family to institutionalize the memorial lecture as an annual event to preserve his legacy and continually inspire national discourse on unity and good governance.
Crediblenewsng.com
