Tinubu Denies One-Party State Agenda, Vows APC Remains Open to Defectors
In a strong rebuttal to claims of an imminent one-party state, President Bola Tinubu declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has no intention of stifling political opposition or transforming Nigeria’s political landscape into a monolithic entity. Speaking during a special joint session of the National Assembly on Democracy Day, Tinubu emphasized the party’s openness to members of other political parties who wish to join its fold.
“Let me make it clear, nobody should close the door,” Tinubu said, dismissing accusations that his administration seeks to monopolize Nigeria’s political system. In a pointed critique of opposition parties, he urged them to focus on self-reflection rather than falsely attributing fears of a political takeover to the ruling party. “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,” Tinubu remarked.
The president’s comments came in response to widespread speculation regarding defections within the opposition ranks, following the recent influx of politicians into the APC. These defections have sparked concerns that the APC could potentially control the political landscape, but Tinubu dismissed such fears. “I will not say, try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you to do so, either,” he quipped, referencing the disarray within rival political factions.
Tinubu also took the opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999. He noted the resilience of the nation’s people in safeguarding democracy, despite the tumultuous history of military rule. “Democracy has risen from the ashes of military rule to reclaim its rightful place as the only acceptable form of governance for our resilient and beloved people,” he stated, marking the significance of the occasion.
A key moment in his speech was the tribute he paid to the late Chief Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, and the ongoing legacy of pro-democracy activists. Tinubu praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for declaring June 12 as Democracy Day and for posthumously honoring Abiola. “Let me pay tribute to my predecessor… for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed,” Tinubu remarked.
The president also reflected on the sacrifices made by key pro-democracy figures, including the late Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, who were murdered by agents of the military regime during Nigeria’s struggle for democratic freedoms. He urged Nigerians to continue honoring the courage and resilience of those who faced imprisonment, exile, or death in the fight for democracy.
Turning to governance, Tinubu stressed the need for cooperation between the executive and legislature, despite inevitable disagreements. “While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together because this is what democracy demands of us,” he concluded, reinforcing the idea that the country’s political institutions must collaborate for the continued progress of democracy.
While Tinubu’s remarks may have been intended to quell fears of a one-party state, his pointed jabs at the opposition reflect a deepening political rivalry. His focus on defections and internal opposition strife also highlights the fragility of Nigeria’s political system, where alliances often shift rapidly. The president’s call for unity and cooperation in governance stands in stark contrast to the combative tone he adopted when addressing opposition concerns.
The larger question remains whether Tinubu’s call for openness to defectors is a genuine attempt to foster a more inclusive political environment or simply a strategic move to consolidate APC’s power further. His leadership, while focusing on democracy’s progress, also raises questions about the balance between political competition and unity in the current administration.
Reference
Tinubu Denies One-Party State Agenda, Vows APC Remains Open to Defectors