Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that Nigeria risks descending into confusion and anarchy if political actors continue to erode the country’s multiparty democracy through defections and manipulation aimed at establishing a one-party system.
Speaking on Wednesday at a memorial lecture in Abuja in honour of the late elder statesman and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Jonathan expressed concern over the wave of defections from major opposition parties—including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, such actions could dangerously tilt Nigeria toward authoritarian governance.
“If one party state has become desirable for the country, the process must be thorough, it must be systemic, not by accident, political manipulations,” Jonathan said. “Any form of manipulation that would lead to the imposition of a one-party state on Nigeria will suffocate the country and lead to confusion and anarchy.”
He added: “Yes, one-party state may not be evil after all because the late (Julius) Nyerere of Tanzania used it to stabilise his country. It was planned and not by accident. If we come through the back door to do one party through political manipulations, we will be in trouble.”
Jonathan noted that countries like Tanzania adopted one-party systems under unique historical and social contexts, and such models were implemented with strategic planning—not as a product of defections or consolidation of political power through coercion.
He reiterated the importance of preserving a functional multiparty democracy in Nigeria, given the country’s diverse ethnic and religious landscape. “Democracy thrives on the strength of the opposition. When we kill opposition, we kill democracy,” he warned.
Paying tribute to the late Edwin Clark, Jonathan described him as a political father and an irreplaceable icon of the Niger Delta. “I am a son of E.K. Clark,” he said. “You can’t look for a replacement for Clark in the Niger Delta because you won’t get it. We can’t replace E.K. in the Niger Delta.”
He further suggested that Chief Clark’s legacy be honoured through an annual memorial lecture: “That would help sustain his vision for a united, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.”
Also speaking at the event, former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi lamented the state of the nation, stating that the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers were being eroded by current economic and security challenges.
“The labour of our heroes past is already in vain,” Obi declared. “The state of insecurity, poverty in rural communities, and the rising cost of living have all betrayed their sacrifices.”
According to Obi, Nigeria’s heroes envisioned a nation built on justice, equity, and shared prosperity, but current realities contradict those ideals. He emphasized the need for leadership rooted in transparency and service.
In his address, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion, stressed that Nigeria must remain united and that personal ambitions should never override the national interest.
“Nigeria can only make progress when national interest is placed above personal ambition,” Gowon said. He recalled working with Edwin Clark after the civil war and praised him as a statesman who believed in “one Nigeria and true federalism.”
Gowon also commended Clark’s role in implementing the post-war policy of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction, noting that his contributions to national healing were significant.
Other dignitaries at the memorial included PANDEF Chairman Godknows Igali, former Information Ministers Professor Jerry Gana and Chief John Nwodo, retired General Ibrahim Haruna, and representatives of major regional socio-political groups such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Afenifere. They all praised Chief Clark’s legacy as a patriot who championed unity, fairness, and true federalism throughout his political life.
