By Charles Maduka
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised the alarm over what he describes as a “backdoor” attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, warning that such a development could threaten the country’s fragile democracy.
Jonathan made the remarks during a memorial lecture in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, held in Abuja on Wednesday. He said while a one-party system has worked in some countries, Nigeria’s unique political and cultural structure makes it a dangerous option if not properly planned.
He pointed to the example of Tanzania, where Julius Nyerere adopted a one-party system in the early years of independence to maintain unity. According to Jonathan, Nyerere’s approach was deliberate and based on the country’s religious and tribal diversity.
“Yes, a one-party state may not be evil. Nyerere used it to stabilise Tanzania because the country had many tribes, tongues, and two major religions. But it was planned. It didn’t happen by accident,” he said.
Jonathan warned that Nigeria must not drift into a one-party state through political scheming or suppression of opposition voices. “If we get there through manipulation, we are heading for crisis,” he added.
His comments follow rising concerns over the dominance of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and growing defections from opposition parties, leading to fears of shrinking political space and authoritarianism.
Also speaking at the event, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, said the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s founding fathers were already being undermined.
“The labour of our heroes past is already in vain,” Obi said, pointing to widespread insecurity, poverty in rural areas, and the high cost of living as evidence.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the event, also spoke on the need for unity, saying Nigeria could only move forward when national interest is placed above personal ambition.
Jonathan urged Chief Clark’s family to consider making the memorial lecture an annual event to preserve his legacy of justice, unity, and national development.
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