Gambari Warns Against One-Party System in Nigeria

Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the former chief of staff to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has said Nigeria’s democracy can only be sustained by adhering to the existing multiparty system.

At the annual Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and the late former governor’s 76th posthumous birthday, held at the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, University of Ibadan, Gambari highlighted the significance that comes with having a ruling party with a powerful and impactful opposition.

He warned that a one-party system would be detrimental to the nation’s democratic system.

In his paper titled, “Pathway Electoral Credibility”, the former foreign affairs minister emphasised the need to reform the electoral landscape through the eradication of political apathy that had been primarily influenced by self-centred ambition, lack of unity, leadership imposition and absence of internal democracy.

Gambari, however, eulogised late Abiola Ajimobi for his selfless service and his enduring legacy of discipline, courage and developmental vision that has created a pathway for Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole.

The discussion programme, which was the 8th of its series and 5th after the demise of Ajimobi, was organised to celebrate his impactful legacy, unify the family and sensitise the public about the approach to leadership and governance.

‎In his remarks, Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Chairman of the Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS), Zach Adedeji, described Ajimobi as a vibrant democrat who ruled with courage and served with dedication.

Highlighted some of his progressive initiatives that brought about positive change to both Oyo State politics and the state’s development.

‎Tinubu, who compared Ajimobi’s brave style of governance to his own, was full of praise for his wife, Florence Ajimobi, for flying the family’s flag and standing firm to sustain Ajimobi’s legacy.

He reiterated that the best way to sustain Ajimobi’s legacy was to embrace a unifying agenda and take over the affairs of government from the current administration.

‎Earlier, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal pointed to Ajimobi as a man whose legacy would last a lifetime due to his leadership, vision, and commitment to public service.

‎Makinde demystified Ajimobi’s uncommon transformative effort that spanned numerous sectors, which, according to him, his administration had built upon

‎The indoor programme played host to a variety of distinguished personalities, including the speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, the governor of Imo state and chairman, progressive governors forum, Hope Uzodima, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, deputy governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako Oyedele, former governor of Ogun State who doubled as the chairman of the Occasion, Olusegun Osoba, and the wife of Ogun State governor, Bamidele Abiodun.

‎Also in attendance were the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district, Sharafadeen Alli, Senator representing Oyo Central district, Yunus Akintunde, Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal constituency, Remi Oseni, former Senate Leader and Oyo State 2027 gubernatorial hopeful, Teslim Folarin, Soun of Of Ogbomoso land, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by Oba Kola Daisi, former state governors, religious leaders and scores of political office holders.