Why will the one-party system not be a good option for Nigeria?

Answer Details

A one-party system is one in which only a single political party is legally allowed to exist and to contest for power. For the following reasons it would not be a good option for Nigeria.

1. Nigeria's ethnic and cultural diversity: Nigeria is a plural society of many ethnic groups, religions and interests. A single party could not fairly accommodate this diversity, and any group excluded from power would feel alienated, threatening national unity.
2. Denial of freedom of choice: A one-party system deprives citizens of alternative candidates and programmes. Elections become meaningless, since the voter has no real choice, and this violates the democratic right to choose.
3. Tendency towards dictatorship: With no rival party to check it, the ruling party easily degenerates into authoritarian and dictatorial rule, suppressing opposition and dissent.
4. Absence of effective opposition: Democracy thrives on a strong opposition that criticises and checks the government. A one-party state has no legal opposition, so the government is not held accountable and mistakes go uncorrected.
5. Encouragement of corruption and abuse of power: Without the fear of being voted out or exposed by rivals, leaders in a one-party state are prone to corruption, impunity and abuse of office.
6. Suppression of fundamental human rights: Freedom of association, of expression and of the press is usually curtailed, since criticism of the sole party is treated as opposition to the state.
7. Stifling of political participation and new ideas: Citizens who disagree with the ruling party have no legitimate outlet, which discourages participation and may drive opposition underground, breeding instability and violence.

For these reasons a multi-party system, which offers choice, competition and accountability, is far more suitable for a diverse country such as Nigeria.