Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan has sounded the alarm over the country’s potential drift into a one-party state, warning that such a scenario would be detrimental to the nation’s well-being. Jonathan’s cautionary words came during a tribute to the late elder statesman Edwin Clark, who passed away in February at the age of 97, at a memorial lecture and day of tribute in Abuja.

The ex-president’s concern stems from the recent surge in defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has led some to speculate that Nigeria may be heading towards a one-party system. Jonathan emphasized that if Nigeria were to adopt a one-party system, it must be carefully planned and designed by experts, rather than being brought about through political manipulations that cater to individual aspirations. He stressed that the latter approach would inevitably lead to crisis.

Jonathan’s warning is particularly relevant given the current political landscape in Nigeria, where the opposition, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been significantly weakened by the defections. Furthermore, some PDP governors have reportedly thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term, further blurring the lines between the ruling party and the opposition.

While acknowledging that some countries have successfully implemented one-party systems under unique historical and social conditions, Jonathan cautioned that Nigeria’s complex ethnic, religious, and political landscape demands a more inclusive and carefully designed political framework. He cited the example of Julius Nyerere, the former president of Tanzania, who used a one-party state to stabilize his country in the early days of independence. Nyerere’s approach was deliberate and planned, rather than accidental, and took into account the country’s diverse tribes, languages, and religions.

Jonathan’s message is clear: Nigeria must tread carefully to avoid the pitfalls of a one-party state, which could exacerbate existing divisions and undermine national unity. His warning serves as a timely reminder of the importance of a robust and inclusive political system, one that reflects the diversity and complexity of the Nigerian nation. As the country navigates its current political challenges, Jonathan’s words of caution offer a valuable perspective on the need for careful planning and consideration in shaping Nigeria’s political future.