By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
A Chieftain of African Democratic Congress ADC Alhaji Abubakar Kari has said that Nigeria cannot operate a one party system as it is not healthy for a democratic system of government.
He said that one party system is dangerous for the country because the country is a multi-cultural and multi-religious society.
Alhaji kari who stated this during an interview with journalists in Bauchi, encouraged Nigerians to resist any attempt to make the country a one party system because the country is not cut out to be a one party system.
“Nigerians must say no to one party system because we live in a multi-religious, multi-cultural and mult-ilingual society.If you are using China for instance as a yardstick, yes China can operate a one party system because they speak one language and have one culture, so it is not a crime when you tell them to operate a one party system” he said.
Drawing comparisons with countries like China and India, he argued that Nigeria’s democratic structure must reflect its diversity.
Kari noted that major parties including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) are currently grappling with internal challenges.
He pointed out that the PDP, particularly in Bauchi State, is battling factional divisions, while the APC is dealing with the aftermath of its recent congresses. According to him, although the ADC also faces internal issues, they are less severe compared to those of the PDP.
On the growing trend of defections from opposition parties to the ruling APC, the ADC Cheiftain described the development as worrisome, saying that the development is capable of creating an unhealthy political imbalance in the country.
According to him, some defections are driven by self-interest rather than ideology, suggesting that certain politicians switch parties to avoid accountability.
He noted that justice and accountability must be applied uniformly across all political parties, warning against selective prosecution.
“If a crime is committed, it should be addressed regardless of party affiliation,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to resist any attempt to impose a one-party system, urging collective action to safeguard the nation’s democracy.
