Opinion
Has Multi-Party System Failed?
When I did write about the achievements
of Governor Chibuike Amaechi in the article titled: ‘Where has Amaechi failed?’ I had associated Amaechi as a true democrat not necessarily because he is my governor, but he is a man who is working towards actualizsing the true meaning of democracy, especially in the West African region.
Let us pause for some seconds and take a discrete analysis of nations that were associated with the concept of modernity and development. United States of America, for example, has two political parties of nearly equal strength and political might; the Republican Party and Democratic Party. These two parties worked hand in hand to ensure that America and Americans enjoy the best of life, attention and reputation with little or no antagonism of any kind
The United Kingdom is no different at all. Whoever recommended the multi-party system for Nigeria did that at the detriment of the polity. So many mushroom political parties that are hitherto struggling for recognition and attention on a continuum suffer defeat from the widely acclaimed majority party which has been imposed as a national party.
If you want to safeguard democracy, if we want to ensure that the minority too should have their say on national issues and governance, it will be appropriate to spring up another political party strong in might and as popular as PDP and if this is formed by way of amalgamation of three or more parties then it is not in any way abysmal. Euphorically, another political party as powerful as PDP will ensure a fair playing for politicking and politicians if they wish to advance national cause, rather than selfish whims and caprices.
It will interest you to know that multi-party system, especially the Nigerian type, is only a status symbol for democracy. It has made little or no impact. In most cases, candidates are planted or sponsored by the dominant and acclaimed majority party in those sub insignificant political parties who play stooges to the dominant party to possibly share whatever votes which should have been casted in favour of a near or threatening political party during election.
In a democratic setting, (one party) where there are many political parties does not ideally produce the president and almost all the key ministerial positions. Doing that amounts to tyranny which is the case of the Nigerian political system.
Space will fail me to mention states and chronicle the impact of their government who did not win election under the platform of PDP, but who have performed perfectly in the cause of governance. Babatunde Fashola, Governor of Lagos State, Adams Oshiomhole, Governor of Edo State, Rochas Okorocha, Governor of Imo State etc.
These governors have proven that given equal opportunity other political parties will do better than the dominant party.
This simple analysis will open your minds, guide your conscience for credible comment and judgments the reasons for the establishment of APC, a near popular and powerful political party in Nigeria, which could be the answer to our many prayers of positive change.
Let us neutralise our minds, shun every sycophancy and political bigotry. Goodluck Jonathan should never be insulted or undermined. As president, he has done his best. He has proven himself a good statesman, spotless with little or no ethnic discriminatory tendencies and thus worthy to run for re-election for the president in 2015. While he is allowed to contest no Nigerian should be denied the right to contest also. After all, it is the total number of votes cast for a contestant that ensures his victory over another.
Let us continue to be good citizens of this great country and support the course that will bind us together, rather than divide us. Nigeria is ours to build.
Solomon resides in Ahoada.
Chisa Solomon
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Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
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