Political Demonology: Proposal for Two-Party State is "Satanic" Says Nigerian Third Party Leader (Update: Proposal Fails in Legislature)

Out of Nigeria, Next News reports on statements made by Chekwas Okorie, leader of a progressive alliance of third party groups in the African country, in response to a proposal that would force the re-implementation of a two-party state:

A faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has condemned plans by the House of Representatives to peg the number of political parties in the country to two, saying it is not only satanic but might threaten the nation’s democracy. [Emphasis added.]

Chairman of the faction, Chekwas Okorie, in a memorandum to the House, said since no country in the world is practising a two-party system by decree or contrived constitutional provision, the lawmakers would lend themselves to mischief makers if they endorse the system.

Mr. Okorie noted that what sounded like a joke when the Former State Governors Forum approached the two chambers of the National Assembly two weeks ago on the reintroduction of the two-party system, is gaining ground allegedly because it is being funded by some people.

“What we thought was a huge joke is unfortunately beginning to assume the proportion of a potent threat to national stability and a recipe for anarchy. We are alarmed that the plot to railroad Nigerians into two-party compartments is a well-oiled and heavily-funded scheme,” he said . . .

He said that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees Nigerians the freedom of association, adding that the multi-party system is in consonance with the International Convention of Freedom of Association, which Nigeria has been a signatory to since independence.

A TMC News analysis provides some historical background:

Many condemned it as a restrictive system designed by the military to limit freedom of association among the people but barely 17 years after its abolition the two-party system of democracy is rearing its head again in the ongoing electoral reform. The system was introduced by the General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida-led military junta during the botched third republic.

Those seeking elective positions were restricted to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC), two parties established and funded by the then military government.

Many criticized the system for the limited choice of parties and ideologies, especially as it was the military that drafted the manifestos and set up all structures for the parties. All that was required of individuals seeking to participate in the political system was to register as members of one of the two parties. The NRC and SDP existed like agencies under the military junta which appointed party officials and determined those that qualify to seek political office. The system was however less cumbersome and provided vibrant political landscape that led to keenly contested elections. . . .

But after the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, believed to have been won by late Chief Moshood Abiola of the SDP, the agitation for a more open party system resurfaced. The military government of the late General Sani Abacha opened up the political landscape by dumping the two-party system for multi-party democracy. By the time democratic rule was restored in 1999 the number of parties participating in the democratic process continued to swell by the day.

Of all the political parties in the country, only six have at least a state governor, while the National Assembly have members from only four political parties. Over 50 existing political parties have no representation at any level.

Update: This proposal has reportedly failed in the Nigerian House of Representatives, by a wide margin. From Punch:

Another rowdy session took place at the House of Representatives on Thursday as a proposal to re-introduce the two party system in Nigeria failed on the floor of the legislature.

172 lawmakers voted in support of multi-party system, 48 voted for two-party system, while one legislator abstained according to results announced by the Speaker, Mr. Dimeji Bankole.