Tinubu Taunts PDP, LP: “A Pleasure to See You in Disarray”
In a bold and biting address before the National Assembly on Democracy Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took a not-so-subtle jab at Nigeria’s leading opposition parties, declaring that it was a “pleasure” to witness the internal turmoil rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).
The president’s remarks, laced with sarcasm and political bravado, came during a special joint sitting on Thursday, where he formally welcomed new defectors from opposition camps into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door,” Tinubu said, casting a smirk across the chamber. “It is indeed a pleasure to witness you in such a disarray.”
The comment sparked a wave of reactions from lawmakers rapturous applause from APC loyalists, and quiet fury from opposition benches. For Tinubu, it was a moment to flex political muscle and assert dominance over an increasingly fragmented opposition.
A Calculated Provocation?
Tinubu didn’t stop there. With his signature blend of satire and statesmanship, he skewered the opposition’s recent woes, suggesting their internal divisions were self-inflicted.
“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.
In what sounded like a mock offer of advice, he added: “For me, I will not say, ‘try your best to put your house in order.’ I will not help you to do so, either.”
His remarks arrive amid growing speculation of a wider opposition collapse. The PDP has been gripped by leadership crises, while the LP faces internal rifts and ideological confusion. A string of defections to the APC in recent weeks only adds salt to the wounds.
Democracy or Dominance?
Critics argue that Tinubu’s tone contradicts his previously stated commitment to a vibrant multi-party democracy. In past speeches, he underscored the importance of a strong opposition in holding the ruling party accountable. But Thursday’s address suggests that realpolitik has taken precedence over democratic platitudes.
Observers warn that while Tinubu basks in the opposition’s apparent chaos, the broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy cannot be ignored. A weakened opposition could embolden authoritarian tendencies, reduce legislative scrutiny, and erode democratic balance.
Still, for the APC, the president’s remarks were a rallying cry. For the opposition, they were a stinging reminder of their growing irrelevance in the current political climate.
As the dust settles on another Democracy Day, one thing is clear: President Tinubu is not just playing the game he’s rewriting the rules, and daring his opponents to catch up.
Reference
Tinubu Taunts PDP, LP: “A Pleasure to See You in Disarray”