The one-party system that President Tinubu is allegedly trying to impose in Nigeria has been criticized for its potential to undermine democracy and individual freedoms. In a one-party system, there is no official opposition party, and the ruling party has complete control over the government.¹
Nigeria is teetering on the brink of a catastrophe, as the ruling party’s stranglehold on power threatens to plunge the nation into an abyss of authoritarianism, corruption, and economic ruin. The dangers of a one-party system are stark, and the consequences of inaction will be devastating.
Suppression of Individual Rights and Freedoms
A one-party system is a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash a maelstrom of human rights abuses and suppression of individual freedoms. The ruling party will stop at nothing to maintain its grip on power, silencing dissenting voices, and crushing opposition.
Economic Ruin and Widespread Poverty
The economic consequences of a one-party system will be catastrophic. Without opposition, the ruling party will implement policies that benefit only themselves and their cronies, leading to widespread poverty, inequality, and economic stagnation.
Corruption and Cronyism
A one-party system is a breeding ground for corruption and cronyism. With no opposition to hold them accountable, the ruling party will engage in rampant corruption, embezzlement, and nepotism. The judiciary will be compromised, and the rule of law will be disregarded.
Absence of National Integration_: A one-party system can also exacerbate ethnic and religious differences, leading to social unrest and conflict.
Real-Life Examples of the Dangers of a One-Party System in Nigeria.
The warning signs are already evident in Nigeria.
Inflated Contracts and Corruption: The executive arm is notorious for awarding inflated contracts to family members and friends, with no accountability or transparency.
Trillions of Naira Wasted: Contracts worth trillions of naira are being awarded without proper oversight, leading to rampant corruption and waste.
Immaturity in the Legislative Arm
The legislative arm is equally compromised, with the senate president more focused on harassing female senators than performing his duties. The Suspension of a Female Senator because she dared to defend herself against harassment: she was suspended for six months and stripped of her security details without proper investigation on the petition she submitted.
Judiciary’s Contradictory Rulings
The judiciary is equally culpable, with Contradictory Rulings that defy logic and the rule of law. The Plateau state house of assembly members lost their seats due to defection, while their counterparts in River state were allowed to return to their seats despite defecting to a different party.
Examples of One-Party Systems Gone Wrong:
- Cuba: The Communist Party of Cuba has been in power since 1959, and the country has a poor human rights record, with restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly.
- China: The Communist Party of China has been in power since 1949, and while the country has experienced rapid economic growth, it has also been criticized for its human rights record and lack of democratic freedoms.
-North Korea: The Communist Party of North Korea has been in power since 1948, and the country is widely regarded as one of the most repressive regimes in the world.
The Death of Democracy
A one-party system is a death knell for democracy. It signals the end of free and fair elections, the suppression of dissenting voices, and the erosion of individual rights.
The Consequences of Inaction
The consequences of inaction will be severe. Nigeria will be plunged into darkness, and the people will suffer. The economy will be ruined, and the nation’s resources will be plundered. The rule of law will be disregarded, and individual rights will be suppressed.
A Call to Action
The threat of a one-party system is real, and the consequences of inaction will be disastrous. It is imperative that Nigerians rise up and demand accountability from their leaders. The nation must be saved from the clutches of authoritarianism, and democracy must be preserved. The time for action is now.
Hon. Ezenna Okoro, a concerned concerned Nigerian, writes from Abuja.
PHOTO: Hon Ezenna Okoro
