Avert one-party system, it threatens democracy, CSO tells Nigerians 

The Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, has urged all Nigerians, regardless of their backgrounds or social standings, to take decisive action in order to avert the rapid descent into a one-party system.

According to Comrade Zikirullahi, such one party system threatens Nigeria’s democracy.

He said when a single party dominated the political landscape, it created an environment where dissenting opinions were silenced, and alternative viewpoints marginalised. 

Zikirullahi while briefing newsmen in Abuja on the creation of additional 31 new states in Nigeria, said it was a grand strategy for political deception and distractions.

He said this unfolding events within our country imposed a significant historical responsibility upon Nigerians to advocate for the nation and its cherished citizens. 

“Moreover, we have already begun to witness a concerning trend in which lawmakers elected under opposition parties are defecting to the ruling APC. 

“This shift appears to be driven by a belief that only the APC’s majority can provide the necessary political clout to secure a state for their constituents. 

“Such defections not only undermine the democratic process but also highlight the lengths to which some politicians will go to align themselves with the ruling party, often at the expense of their original commitments to their constituents.

“We are witnessing challenges that test the very fabric of our democracy, our social cohesion, and our shared values. It is imperative that we engage in open and honest conversations about these issues, recognising that our strength lies in our diversity and our ability to come together in pursuit of common goals.

“However, the sole aspect of the proposal that we believe merits serious consideration by our legislators is the constitutional recognition of Abuja as the 37th State within the Nigerian federation.

“This recognition would not only symbolise the inclusion of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) within the broader national framework but also addressed the pressing concerns of the indigenous people (the original inhabitants).

“It is crucial for every citizen to recognize the importance of their voice and participation in the political process, as history has shown us that a one-party system stifles diversity and inclusivity.

He said this lack of pluralism not only diminishes the richness of our democratic discourse but also leads to the erosion of fundamental democratic values such as freedom of expression, accountability, and the rule of law.

He said the consolidation of power within a single party could pave the way for authoritarianism, where leaders became unchallenged and unaccountable to the people.