President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today emphatically dismissed concerns that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is working towards establishing a one-party state, calling such fears “unfounded” and “in error.” Speaking at a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day, President Tinubu directly addressed critics warning against the monopolization of political power by the APC.
“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 as a result of your panic, it rings in error,” Tinubu declared. “At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria.”
Citing his own political history, Tinubu recalled being the only opposition governor to withstand the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) sweep in 2003. “I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My adversaries held all the cards that mortal man could carry… A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state back then. Nigeria will not become such a state now,” he affirmed.
President Tinubu attributed recent defections to the APC from opposition parties not to a sinister agenda, but to natural realignments. “A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said, 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, welcoming recent defections, including those led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom. He advised other parties to “put your house in order,” rather than attributing internal defections to an external conspiracy.
During his address, Tinubu underscored the importance of multiparty democracy and open discourse. “We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression, and rights over might… Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so,” he stated.
He pledged continued cooperation with the legislature and highlighted key economic gains, including a GDP growth of 3.4% in 2024 and easing inflation. He also mentioned consumer credit initiatives, improvements in digital infrastructure, and expanding educational and job opportunities for youth.
On national security, Tinubu noted that inter-agency coordination and investments in intelligence and training have led to safer highways and reclaimed territories, praising the Armed Forces for their sacrifices.
In commemoration of Democracy Day, the President conferred posthumous and living national honors on over 70 individuals pivotal to Nigeria’s democratic journey. These included Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), and publisher Sam Amuka Pemu (CON).
President Tinubu described June 12 as a date symbolic of the country’s democratic resilience, expressing appreciation to past heroes of democracy and recommitting his administration to inclusive governance and national development.
“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for,” he concluded.
‘Not Good For Nigeria’, Tinubu Refutes One-Party System
