By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA — Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that Nigeria risks plunging into political instability if the current trend of opposition defections and political manipulation continues unchecked, hinting at an emerging one-party state. Speaking at a memorial lecture for nationalist Chief Edwin Clark, Jonathan cautioned that a forced or unplanned drift toward single-party dominance could ignite national crisis.
Highlighting the decline of democratic checks and balances, he said: “If we go through the backdoor by political manipulation, we will be inviting crisis.”
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, went further, declaring that the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers were now “in vain,” pointing to worsening insecurity, poverty, and the double standards of public activism. “Where are those who protested fuel subsidy removal under Jonathan? Fuel is now N900 and there’s silence,” Obi said.
Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon emphasized the importance of unity, while Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leader, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, stressed the need for justice, equity, and inclusive governance to preserve national cohesion.