By Kayode Olabanji

A seasoned political analyst, Mr. Gbenga Ajisafe has emphasised that despite its challenges, Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system remains indispensable for the country’s unity and progress.

In an exclusive interview with Weekend Hope, Ajisafe acknowledged that the multi-party system often slows down policy implementation due to coalition politics and negotiations.

However, he stressed that this complexity is necessary to ensure dialogue, accountability, and citizen participation, key pillars of a progressive democracy.

“Multi-party democracy may appear untidy and slow, but it provides the only viable platform for Nigeria’s diverse population to have their voices heard,” he said. “It guarantees checks and balances, transparency and inclusiveness, which are crucial for good governance.”

Ajisafe contrasted this with the dangers inherent in a one-party system, which he described as unsuitable for a nation as diverse as Nigeria.

“While one-party system may be more stable and efficient in decision-making, they often stifle opposition, limit democratic freedom and increase the risk of corruption,” he warned.

He cited examples of countries like China, North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba and Eritrea, where one party dominates politics with little tolerance for dissent, noting that political stability in such nations comes at the expense of democracy.

According to him, Nigeria’s multi-party system, though fraught with difficulties, allows multiple parties to contest elections and share power through coalitions, which promotes inclusiveness and better reflects the country’s diverse interests.

However, Ajisafe admitted that coalition governments can lead to political instability and slow down policy implementation.

Despite these drawbacks, Ajisafe maintained that Nigeria’s unique socio-political realities make a one-party system unworkable.

He further explained that Nigeria’s political culture remains immature, heavily influenced by ethnicity, religion, wealth and godfatherism rather than ideology or policy competence.

Tracing Nigeria’s political history, he noted that the closest the country came to a one-party state was in the early 1990s with the two-party system, Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC).

Comparing Nigeria to the United States, Ajisafe explained that while U.S. voters choose parties based on ideology and candidate capability, Nigerian voters’ loyalties are driven primarily by tribe, religion, and personal gain.

He concluded by reaffirming that democracy thrives on choice and that a one-party system fundamentally undermines this principle.