JUST IN: Presidency dismisses one-party state allegations as opposition’s frustration
By Kunle Sanni
The Presidency has dismissed claims that recent defections by key political figures are part of a plot by President Bola Tinubu to establish a one-party state.
In a statement released on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described the allegations as baseless and a reflection of the opposition’s frustrations. He alleged opposition parties are “heartbroken” following the collapse of their anticipated “grand coalition” and are now spreading false accusations against the Tinubu administration.
He made the remarks following the open declaration of support for Tinubu by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and moves by former PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa and several others.
“While the opposition elements are understandably heartbroken over the failure of their fabled grand coalition to gain traction, we find it disturbing that they resorted to peddling false allegations of promoting a one-party state against President Bola Tinubu,” the statement read.
Onanuga emphasized that democracy in Nigeria remains strong and vibrant, noting that the administration has not engaged in any action aimed at weakening the opposition or dismantling democratic structures. Accusations of bribery, blackmail, or coercion linked to recent defections, he said, are “products of idle imagination.”
While the defections have stirred debate, with some saying the moves distract from pressing economic challenges, the Presidency argued that politicians exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association should not be seen as a threat to democracy.
Onanuga also criticized opposition figures and human rights activists for “hypocrisy,” accusing them of applauding defections only when they favor their interests. He reaffirmed that President Tinubu remains a committed democrat and a firm believer in multiparty democracy, citing his historical role in building opposition coalitions that defeated a sitting president in 2015.
