Goodluck Jonathan, the former President, has advised against introducing a one-party system in Nigeria. He believes that doing so would restrict political freedom and could potentially result in chaos and disorder within the country.

His comments were made during a memorial event for Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent figure in the South-South region and former Federal Commissioner for Information. The event took place in Abuja on May 7.

Jonathan pointed out the success of a one-party system in Tanzania under Julius Nyerere, where it helped in uniting a diverse population. However, he emphasized that such a system should only be implemented in Nigeria through transparent and inclusive means, rather than through force or manipulation.

His comments come in the wake of widespread defections from opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking further, Jonathan described Clark as a father figure, emphasizing that his kind cannot be replaced. He praised the late Ijaw leader’s exceptional memory, courage, and boldness in standing up for what he believed in.