President Bola Tinubu has firmly denied allegations that his administration is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state. He emphasized that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains an inclusive political platform open to all Nigerians, including those from opposition parties.
Addressing a special joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday in celebration of Democracy Day, Tinubu asserted that the APC is confident in facing political competition and will continue to receive defectors from other parties without hesitation.
“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door.
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 told lawmakers.
Tinubu’s remarks come amid criticisms from opposition leaders and analysts who accuse the APC of undermining political plurality and attempting to dominate the political space.
In a sharp response to such concerns, Tinubu added:
“I will not say, try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you to do so, either.”
Reflecting on the nation’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule, the president expressed optimism over Nigeria’s progress.
“I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we had come as a nation. 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 said.
He also used the platform to honour the sacrifices of pro-democracy figures, particularly the late Chief Moshood Abiola, whose annulled 1993 presidential victory remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“Let me pay tribute to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed,” he said, acknowledging Buhari’s 2018 decision to recognize June 12 as Democracy Day and confer the nation’s highest honour on Abiola.
He continued by celebrating the lives of other democracy icons.
“We must celebrate the courage of Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression. We remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians who were imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, and beaten,” Tinubu said.
In his address, the President called for continued collaboration between the executive and legislature to strengthen governance.
“While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together, because this is what democracy demands of us,” he noted.
Concluding his remarks, Tinubu reminded lawmakers that democracy thrives on unity and shared responsibility.
“Democracy is not perfect, but it is the best path we have chosen. And we must walk it together—sometimes in disagreement, but always in hope,” he stated.
Advertisement
