Jonathan Warns Against One-Party State, Cites Risk to Democracy

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has cautioned against moves that could steer Nigeria toward a one-party political system, warning that such a shift, if driven by manipulation, could endanger the nation’s democracy.

Speaking at the memorial lecture held in Abuja to honour elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark, Jonathan acknowledged the complex ethnic and religious diversity in Nigeria and drew parallels with Tanzania’s early post-independence strategy under Julius Nyerere.

He explained that while Nyerere implemented a one-party system to promote unity, it was deliberately designed and not born out of political convenience or manipulation.

“If we as a nation must go for a one-party State, then it must be planned and designed by experts to know what we are doing,” Jonathan said. “But if we come through the back door by political manipulation, then we are heading for a crisis.”

He referenced the book How Democracies Die by American scholars, noting that subtle manipulations and erosion of democratic institutions are early warning signs of authoritarian decline.

“Julius Nyerere of Tanzania used a one-party State to stabilise his country during the early time of its independence. He felt that his country, just like Nigeria, had too many tribes and tongues, Christianity and Islam. If he allowed many parties, some will tow the path of religion and others along the lines of tribes, and unity will be difficult. It was properly designed and not be accident.”

Jonathan stressed the importance of maintaining Nigeria’s current multi-party democracy, citing the country’s complexity and the need for inclusive governance. “Nigeria is a complex country, and we should manage the situation as it is, rather than manipulating it in a way that will suffocate the country to death,” he warned.

He concluded by paying tribute to Pa Edwin Clark, urging Nigerians to embrace the veteran leader’s vision and philosophy for national unity and progress.