Insecurity: The possible way out, by Eric Teniola
If we assume that kidnapping, insurgency and other security problems are politically motivated, then the solution is political, not military, and we must tackle these challenges through dialogue. As Sir Winston Churchill, the former British Prime Minister, once said, “to jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war.” The phrase simply means that it is always better […]
The Illusion of a single party (6), by Eric Teniola
This is the concluding part of this piece which last week introduced the narrative of how two youth groups emerged and launched public campaigns in support of the undeclared presidential ambition of General Sani Abacha, which eventually culminated to his adoption as the presidential candidate of all the five political parties at the time. Despite […]
The Illusion of a single party (5), by Eric Teniola
From last week continues the narrative of the arrest and detention of several labour and pro-democracy activists, among them NADECO members, by the Abacha regime. There were also court dramas, including the trial of Chief MKO Abiola on treason charges. There were no known instances of forced exile as a means of political control, although […]
The Illusion of a single party(3), by Eric Teniola
From last week continues General Babangida’s address where he announced that the AFRC had accepted the principles of grassroot democratic two-party system. He added that: “It is our belief that the system shall (among others): (g) Ensure the emergence of a new, more dedicated and more genuine leadership cadre, which will not be a mere proxy […]
The Illusion of a single party(2), by Eric Teniola
From last week continues the narrative that a one-party state may not materialise in Nigeria. Among politicians who have seen the high and low of this is Alhaji Sule Lamido who as National Secretary of the defunct SDP was one of those who signed the document that created the Interim National Government Almost 46 years […]
The Illusion of a single party, by Eric Teniola
A persistent fear in Nigerian politics is the emergence of a single-party system or a sole presidential candidate. Despite recurring anxieties, this outcome has never materialized. While recent party defections might suggest an invincible ruling party, Nigeria’s political history is defined by unexpected twists. Shattered dreams and surprise elements are inherent to our national life. The surprise […]
