Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has spoken against the establishment of a one-party system in Nigeria. He recently revealed that such a move will completely demolish the country’s already-fragile democracy.
Speaking at a memorial lecture held in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, in Abuja, GEJ said that even if a nation like Tanzania is easily practicing a one-party system, it has only been a success because of proper planning.
According to him, it is impossible for such a system to work in Nigeria due to the nation’s complex ethnic, religious, and political landscape that requires a more inclusive political framework.
Goodluck is of the opinion that scrapping opposition parties altogether is nothing but political manipulation at this time, and he’ll only back the move if the system is designed and effectively planned by experts.
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“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.
He then urged Edwin’s family to ensure an annual memorial lecture is regularly held in honour of the late nationalist because it would help sustain his vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
