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| photo of Bola Ahmef Tinubu by Premium times |
In a recent quote attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a curious contradiction appears in his stance on Nigeria’s democratic system. The statement reads:
> "A one-party system is not suitable for democracy. We are one party ruling and carrying on with the aspirations of Nigerians. You don't expect people to remain in a sinking ship without a life jacket. I am happy with what we have accomplished and expecting more people to come; that's the game."
At first glance, the opening line champions the principles of plural democracy, declaring that “a one-party system is not suitable for democracy.” This aligns with the ideals of a healthy democratic society—one in which power is contested and citizens have multiple political options.
However, the following lines present a different narrative. The declaration, "We are one party ruling and carrying on with the aspirations of Nigerians," subtly glorifies a dominant-party system, where a single party maintains control, even if other parties technically exist. This reality undermines the spirit of competitive democracy, suggesting a shift toward political hegemony rather than pluralism.
The metaphor of the “sinking ship” and the “life jacket” further complicates the message. It implies that other parties are failing, and joining the ruling party is the only logical means of political survival. This notion, while politically strategic, reveals a worrisome tendency: the erosion of opposition and the consolidation of power in a single political group. It positions the ruling party not as one of many choices, but as the only viable vessel in Nigeria's political ocean.
The final remark—“expecting more people to come; that's the game”—confirms this intention. It depicts politics as a game of numbers rather than ideology, where the goal is not robust democratic engagement but entrenchment of power.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Democracy
The contradictions in this statement are not merely rhetorical; they reflect a deeper tension between democratic theory and political practice. While President Tinubu appears to verbally support multi-party democracy, the actions and implications suggest a movement toward single-party dominance—a condition that has historically stifled dissent, weakened institutions, and narrowed civic space.
If Nigeria is to truly uphold democratic values, it must preserve the strength of its opposition parties, ensure fair electoral processes, and maintain a level playing field. Any drift toward one-party rule—either in speech or practice—should be critically examined and challenged by citizens, civil society, and the media.
In democracy, diversity is not a weakness—it is the source of strength. Leaders must embody this principle not just in word, but in deed.
Ojediran Samuel Adesoji
(OSA)
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