Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned against attempts to steer Nigeria towards a one-party state, warning that such political manipulation could lead to national unrest.

Speaking in Abuja at a memorial lecture in honour of late elder statesman and nationalist Chief Edwin Clark, Jonathan said while one-party systems have worked in some countries, they were carefully planned to serve specific national goals.

He noted that recent political developments – particularly the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) – have sparked concerns about Nigeria drifting into de facto one-party rule.

“Yes, countries like Tanzania used a one-party model effectively in the past. Julius Nyerere implemented it to stabilise his country at a critical time,” Jonathan said. “But it was deliberate, well-thought-out, and appropriate for their context. In Nigeria, attempting this through backdoor manipulation would invite crisis.”

Jonathan advocated for retaining Nigeria’s multi-party structure unless any change is professionally designed and nationally agreed upon.

Also speaking at the event, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi, lamented the erosion of the legacy left by nationalists like Clark, citing worsening insecurity, poverty, and a cost-of-living crisis.

Obi criticised those who protested fuel price hikes under Jonathan but remained silent amid current economic hardship. “Fuel was increased to N120 under Jonathan and there were protests. Today it’s N900 and no one is speaking out. Are those protesters dead?” he asked.

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who chaired the occasion, echoed the need for unity, saying: “Nigeria can only make progress when national interest takes precedence over personal ambition.”

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, also emphasised the importance of justice and equitable resource control, lauding Clark’s lifelong advocacy for marginalised regions.

“Our diversity is a strength, but maintaining unity requires deliberate effort,” Azuta-Mbata added.