From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has allayed fears of creating a one-party state under his administration, even as he delivered a sharp rebuke to opposition parties struggling with internal crises and high-profile defections.
Speaking during a special joint session of the National Assembly to mark the 2025 Democracy Day on Thursday, Tinubu firmly denied any intention of transforming Nigeria into a one-party system, saying such political overreach had previously failed and should not be repeated.
“The failed effort to create a one-party state placed progressive political forces on a trajectory to form the APC,” Tinubu said.
“I dare not do such a favour to any political adversary by repeating the same mistake of political overreach. A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be.”
However, the president did not miss the opportunity to throw a subtle jibe over the turmoil within rival parties, particularly as prominent figures from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno, have recently defected to the APC.
“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes… For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order.
“I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” he said pointedly, drawing laughter from the chamber.
While reinforcing that political pluralism remains a key pillar of Nigerian democracy, Tinubu defended the APC’s openness to new members from across the political spectrum.
“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, in a subtle endorsement of the ongoing wave of defections.
Despite the jabs, Tinubu emphasised the need for cooperation across party lines, particularly in advancing economic and social development.
“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,” he said.
The President also used the occasion to reflect on the deeper meaning of Democracy Day, paying tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other heroes of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, including Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and Pa Alfred Rewane.
“The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country. It was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan-Nigerian as we strive to perfect it,” he said.
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day in honour of the historic June 12, 1993, election, President Tinubu’s speech drew a fine line between defending multiparty democracy and asserting his party’s growing dominance, an approach analysts say may shape the road to 2027.