By: OBSERVERS TIMES.
The presidency has vehemently denied allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is steering Nigeria towards a one-party state, dismissing criticism following recent high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The controversy erupted after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, along with other key Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figures, switched allegiance to the APC. This followed similar defections from the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano.
Critics, including publisher Dele Momodu, accused the APC of coercing opposition members, suggesting a move towards authoritarianism.
However, in a strongly worded statement, President Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, labeled these claims as “false, baseless, and exaggerated.”
“Democracy is not under any threat in Nigeria,” Onanuga asserted, stating that the presidency has no policy to weaken opposition parties. “Accusations that the administration is moving towards authoritarianism are baseless and exaggerated.”
He further dismissed claims of bribery and blackmail, attributing them to “idle minds of politicians and their agents who have failed in their assigned role of opposition.”
“It is certainly not part of President Tinubu’s job to organise or strengthen opposition parties,” Onanuga emphasized.
The statement also criticized the double standards of those who supported the formation of an anti-Tinubu coalition for the 2027 elections but now decry defections.
“They are quick to ascribe the political shifts in some states to ‘bribery, blackmail, and coercion’ without any shred of evidence,” Onanuga stated.
He concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to democratic principles. “Freedom of association, freedom of speech, and freedom of choice are part of the cherished ideals of democracy,” he said. “Those opposed to the Tinubu administration should understand that they can issue diatribes, without fear, against the government because we practice a thriving democracy.”
