Tinubu Dismisses One-Party State Fears, Mocks Opposition Over Defections

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed concerns that Nigeria is sliding into a one-party state following the wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Wednesday during his Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly, Tinubu insisted that such fears were unfounded and politically motivated.

According to the President, the APC cannot be blamed for the collapse of opposition parties, describing them as “sinking ships” from which members were naturally fleeing.

“It would be inconsiderate to blame the APC for the defection of politicians who are jumping off sinking ships, even without life jackets,” Tinubu stated.

He added that, despite relishing the disarray in the ranks of the opposition, he has no intention of turning Nigeria into a one-party state.

“At this point, I plead for your indulgence so that I may put a terrible rumour to bed. To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be a result of panic, it rings in error,” Tinubu said.

He reminded lawmakers of his own political history, noting how he resisted attempts by the then-ruling party in 2003 to create a one-party system in the country.

“In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of the progressive governors standing in my region. Where are they now?” he asked.

He stressed that Nigeria’s political diversity must be preserved and that the APC’s growing strength is not a result of manipulation but of natural political shifts.

“A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. However, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC,” he said.

The President also welcomed recent defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno.

Taking a swipe at the opposition, Tinubu advised them to focus on putting their internal affairs in order rather than raising false alarms.

“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist,” he said.

He concluded by affirming that political competition should be healthy and beneficial to the nation’s democratic growth.

“Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible,” Tinubu added.