Defections: One-Party state will suffocate Nigeria, lead to anarchy – Goodluck Jonathan warns

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned that any attempt to impose a one-party system in Nigeria will suffocate the nation’s political space and potentially lead to confusion and anarchy.

He issued the warning in Abuja during a memorial lecture and day of tribute held in honour of the late former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark on Wednesday May 7.

Jonathan acknowledged that while a one-party system worked in Tanzania under Julius Nyerere to unite a multi-ethnic nation, it was achieved through a deliberate and inclusive process not by political manipulation. He stressed that if Nigeria were to adopt such a system, it must be done procedurally and not through coercion or political scheming.

His comments come in the wake of widespread defections from opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking further, Jonathan described Clark as a father figure, emphasizing that his kind cannot be replaced. He praised the late Ijaw leader’s exceptional memory, courage, and boldness in standing up for what he believed in.