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Ppublic affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu cautions political leaders against promoting one-party rule, says history shows it ends in disgrace and failure.
Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has warned Nigerian political leaders against promoting a one-party system, describing it as a path that leads to failure and disgrace.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Shehu reflected on the dangers of one-party dominance, stressing that true democracy thrives on citizen participation and the existence of multiple political parties.
Leaders Diluting Democratic Principles
Shehu noted that many leaders weaken democratic institutions after gaining power in order to cling to office indefinitely.
He cited China, North Korea, Uganda, Chile, Eritrea, Cuba, Zimbabwe, and Cameroon as examples of countries where opposition parties exist only at the convenience of the ruling party.
“One-Party Rule Ends In Disgrace”
Shehu warned that leaders who nurture one-party dominance would eventually realise its futility, often leaving power under unpleasant circumstances.
Accountability And Historical Clarity
According to Shehu, one-party systems make it easier for citizens to assign responsibility for both successes and failures in governance.
He added that such systems also simplify the work of historians and political scientists, as the ruling party’s dominance leaves no ambiguity about accountability.
Warning To Power-Hungry Politicians
Shehu further warned that leaders who undermine elections, intimidate opposition, or manipulate institutions are only setting themselves up for failure.
He concluded that history has consistently punished such behaviour, noting that there is no exception to that rule.
Currently, the All Progressives Congress (APC) controls 32 out of Nigeria’s 36 state governorships, a dominance that has sparked renewed debate about the health of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.