Gambari Addresses Concerns Over Potential One-Party State

Professor Ibrahim Gambari has shared his belief that the prospect of Nigeria evolving into a one-party state is unfounded and will not materialize.

Recent high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have sparked concerns among opposition politicians regarding the potential for a one-party system.

However, during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Gambari, who currently chairs the Board of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD), asserted that historical patterns indicate the impossibility of establishing a one-party state.

The former Chief of Staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari argued for the implementation of measures to counter the prevalent trend of political defections in Nigeria. He noted that in various other nations, when a politician defects, they typically lose their position as it is tied to the party under which they were elected.

He stated, "Regarding the apprehensions surrounding the emergence of a one- party state, I am unperturbed. You can cite me on this — it will not happen if we observe historical precedents. Many of us remain unaware of our own history.

"This administration is not the first to pursue the establishment of a dominant political party in Nigeria. From the outset, the Nigerian People's Congress (NPC) served as a predominant force during the First Republic, contributing to opposition challenges but did not stifle them. What was the outcome of that? It did not usher in tranquility or progress; it resulted in turmoil.

"Subsequently, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) emerged, exhibiting such confidence that they believed they would remain indefinitely. What was the outcome? Ultimately, it proved unsustainable. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) previously predicted a 60-year reign. Where are they now? Therefore, any attempts to compel Nigeria into a one-party system are destined to fail.

Gambari cautioned, "Nevertheless, we must not wait for calamity to unfold. It's crucial to enhance the standing of our political parties, which is an area we have neglected. How many in this room genuinely belong to a political party? How many of us possess party membership cards? How many actively attend political party meetings?"

He elucidated that robust political parties would render a one-party state inconceivable. Yet, due to the current disarray among political organizations, they have transformed into mere vehicles for acquiring power, branding them as parties of convenience. "Because our constitution prohibits independent candidates, affiliation is necessary, resulting in political parties being utilized as flags of convenience."