JUST IN: Tinubu denies pushing for one-party state, urges opposition to be organized

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has denied allegations that he is working to establish a one-party state in Nigeria, affirming his commitment to a vibrant multiparty democracy. He made this statement on Thursday while addressing a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives during the Democracy Day celebration.

Tinubu addressed concerns from opposition leaders over the increasing number of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), clarifying that these shifts were not engineered by his administration.

“I’m not an advocate of a one-party system,” Tinubu stated. “A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state back then, and it will not happen now.”

While acknowledging recent defections—including prominent figures from Delta and Akwa Ibom States—he insisted that the ruling party was not behind the disarray in the opposition. He pointed instead to internal issues within the opposition ranks.

“For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” he remarked, in a blunt message to rival parties.

He advised political parties losing members to reflect on their internal affairs rather than alleging sabotage. “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.”

Tinubu traced the emergence of the APC to earlier failed attempts at forming a one-party system, arguing that such missteps ultimately led to the creation of a stronger, unified progressive front.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of political diversity. “We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we embrace the diversity of our population. Our goal should never be to eliminate competition, but to make that competition work for national progress.”