THE PERILS OF A ONE-PARTY STATE: WHY NIGERIA MUST GUARD ITS DEMOCRACY
Anthony EKPO BASSEY
Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its political journey. A journey that demands vigilance, wisdom, and a fierce commitment to democratic values. The idea of a one-party state might seem tempting to some as a shortcut to unity and stability but in reality, it is a road paved with pitfalls and peril. To embrace a one-party system is to put all our eggs in one basket, risking the very freedoms and progress that Nigeria’s diverse population has fought hard to achieve.
A one-party state is like a garden with only one flower which could be monotonous, stifled, and may lack the vibrancy that diversity brings. When only one party rules the roost, the crucial checks and balances that keep power honest disappear. As the old proverb warns, “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Without opposition, leaders may become complacent, corrupt, or worse, authoritarian, tightening their grip like a python squeezing its prey.
Nigeria’s strength lies in its beautiful mosaic of cultures, languages, and ideas. To force all voices into a single channel is to silence the symphony and invite discord beneath the surface. There is truth in the saying, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” but it is equally true that when there is no healthy political competition, it is the people who suffer. Democracy thrives on debate, dissent, and the clash of ideas. Without these, stagnation sets in like rust on iron.
Competition among political parties ignites innovation and fuels accountability. It keeps leaders on their toes and encourages them to serve the people better. Take away that competition, and governance becomes a one-man show, a stage for self-interest rather than public service. This leads to a culture of impunity, where rulers act with unchecked power, and the cries of the common man fall on deaf ears.
History is littered with examples of nations that slid into dictatorship under the guise of one-party rule. Nigeria itself has experienced the dangers of concentrated power, and the wounds are still fresh. To forget the lessons of the past is to repeat the same mistakes and reap bitter fruits.
Moreover, a one-party state suppresses the rich tapestry of opinions and ambitions within Nigeria’s youth and citizens. It stifles innovation and leaves the country trapped in a political echo chamber where ideas are recycled instead of renewed. The proverb reminds us, “A fish stinks from the head down.” Without fresh leadership and alternative viewpoints, corruption and inefficiency become entrenched.
In a nation as dynamic as Nigeria, democracy should be a living, breathing organism, constantly evolving, open to challenge, and reflective of its people’s will. To close the door on political plurality is to close the door on progress itself.
As the wise say, “Don’t put the cart before the horse.” Building a nation requires a foundation of inclusive governance and respect for differing voices. Nigeria’s future depends on embracing the beautiful chaos of democracy, where many hands steer the ship, not a single hand forcing it down one narrow path.
In conclusion, Nigeria must resist the siren call of a one-party state. Democracy, with all its messy debates and spirited contests, is the best safeguard against tyranny. It is the bedrock upon which freedom, justice, and development stand firm. To shun it is to invite darkness where there should be light, a light fuelled by choice, challenge, and change.
