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