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President Bola Tinubu has dismissed claims that his administration is steering Nigeria towards a one-party system, asserting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a political platform welcoming all Nigerians, including those from opposition parties.
During a special joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, commemorating Democracy Day, President Tinubu emphasized that the APC welcomes both internal and external competition and will continue to accept defectors from other political factions.
“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. No one should close the door. Political parties that fear members' departures might be better off examining their internal dynamics rather than conjuring up nonexistent fears,” Tinubu stated to lawmakers present.
His comments come amid increasing worries from opposition groups and critics who have accused the ruling APC of trying to suppress dissent and establish political dominance nationwide.
In response to these concerns, the President firmly rejected such claims, stating, “I will not say, try your best to put your house in order. I will not assist you in doing so, either,” which was a pointed critique of opposition parties grappling with internal issues.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s two-decade journey back to civilian rule, Tinubu acknowledged the significant democratic progress the country has made since the days of military dictatorship.
“I felt a sense of shared achievement when I recognized how far we have come as a nation. Democracy has risen from the ruins of military rule to reclaim its rightful status as the only acceptable form of governance for our resilient and cherished people,” he said.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Nigeria’s pro-democracy advocates, especially the late Chief Moshood Abiola, whose presidential victory on June 12, 1993, was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
“I want to acknowledge my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, for revisiting history to correct a national injustice,” Tinubu stated, referring to Buhari’s significant decision in 2018 to declare June 12 as Democracy Day and bestow the highest national honor upon Abiola.
He also honored other martyrs of the democratic struggle, stating, “We must celebrate the bravery of Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were killed by agents of military oppression.
We remember the numerous civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians who faced imprisonment, exile, neglect, and violence.” While speaking to lawmakers, Tinubu highlighted the importance of ongoing cooperation between the executive and legislative branches.
“Even when we disagree, we must find a way to collaborate, as this is what democracy requires of us,” he asserted.
He stressed that nation-building is not an individual endeavor and urged lawmakers to prioritize the people in their decision-making and actions.
“Democracy may not be flawless, but it is the best path we have chosen. Together, we must navigate it, sometimes in disagreement, but always with hope,” he concluded.
