The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Godfrey Onah, has warned that Nigeria is gradually drifting toward a one-party state, citing concerns over the weakening of opposition parties through financial inducements.
Bishop Onah made the remarks on Friday while officiating the burial mass of the late Senator Okey Ezeah in Igbo Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Describing the current political climate as troubling, he contrasted the previous administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari with President Bola Tinubu’s government. While Buhari’s era, he said, relied on intimidation to ensure compliance, the current government, according to him, uses financial means to influence political actors.
“These are very, very bad times for our country, Nigeria. A number of people are now afraid that we are gliding gradually into a one-party state. I am one of those afraid,” Bishop Onah said.
He also criticized the fluidity of party affiliations in Nigeria, noting that politicians often switch parties without consequences, undermining democratic principles. “We don’t have political parties based on ideologies. We have platforms for getting into power, remaining in power, and accessing public funds,” he said.
Highlighting concerns about the dominance of the executive branch, the cleric argued that both the legislature and judiciary have been weakened. “The executive has sucked up both the judiciary and the legislature… If you can insist on electoral reform that will make our votes count, prove me wrong,” he said.
Bishop Onah called for stronger checks and balances and adherence to democratic principles to prevent the erosion of multiparty governance in Nigeria.
