A political analyst, Mr. Gbenga Ajisafe, has said that while multi-party systems offer broad representation, they can also hinder the smooth functioning of government due to coalition politics and policy delays. He, however, emphasized that a one-party system would be unsuitable for a diverse and democratic nation like Nigeria.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Ajisafe noted that one-party systems, though potentially more stable and efficient in decision-making, often breed dictatorship, restrict democratic freedoms, and increase the risk of corruption.
“One-party systems can deliver fast decisions without power struggles,” he said. “But they often lack checks and balances, suppress opposition, and fail to reflect the diversity of the people’s aspirations.”
Ajisafe cited examples of one-party states such as China, North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba, and Eritrea, where a single political party dominates governance, often with little or no room for opposition voices. While such systems may offer political stability, they tend to undermine democratic values.
He explained that a multi-party system, common in many democracies, allows multiple political parties to contest elections and share power, often forming coalition governments. This system, he noted, promotes inclusiveness and better represents a wide range of public interests.
However, he acknowledged that multi-party systems also come with challenges. “Coalition governments may lead to political instability and slow down policy implementation due to constant negotiations between parties,” Ajisafe said. “It can also confuse voters and increase the cost of governance.”
Despite these drawbacks, Ajisafe firmly stated that Nigeria’s unique socio-political structure makes a one-party system unworkable.
“A one-party system in Nigeria would lead to power domination by a particular ethnic or religious group, creating marginalization and deepening existing divides,” he warned. “Given our diversity, such a system could easily evolve into an oligarchy, where a select few determine the fate of millions.”
He argued that Nigeria’s political culture is not mature enough to support a one-party system, as politics in the country is still largely influenced by ethnicity, religion, wealth, and political godfatherism rather than ideology or policy competence.
“Nigeria is probably one of the few countries in the world with a multiplicity of political parties, and an almost infinite number of party cross-carpeters! Not only do people decamp from party to party at any time and for the flimsiest reasons, but the parties themselves are often merged, renamed, or simply fade away.”
“People decamp at the slightest sign of trouble or dispute, reinforcing the common saying that in politics, ‘there are no permanent enemies or friends, only permanent interests!’ This phenomenon is perhaps more pronounced in Nigeria than anywhere else.”
Given this history of ideological inconsistency, he argued, a one-party system in Nigeria becomes virtually impossible. “This is not unique to Nigeria alone, but common across much of Africa,” he added.
Ajisafe noted that the closest Nigeria came to a one-party state was in the early 1990s, during the era of the two-party structure, SDP and NRC. “With the way Nigeria has become fragmented along religious and ethnic lines, the fewest number of viable parties we can realistically have would be three, one for each region: North, West, and East.”
“In the U.S., voters align with parties based on ideology and candidate capability. In Nigeria, loyalty is driven by tribe, religion, and personal gain. Such a political culture cannot support a healthy one-party system,” he explained.
Ajisafe concluded by asserting that democracy thrives on choice, and a one-party system contradicts the very essence of democratic governance. “Democracy is about providing people with options. A one-party system denies them that. Therefore, it cannot prevail in Nigeria.”
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