The Action Democratic Party has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of being “economical with the truth” regarding his commitment to multiparty democracy.
The rebuke came in response to Tinubu’s Democracy Day address where he denied intentions to establish a one-party state in Nigeria.
ADP National Chairman Engr. Yabagi Sani addressed journalists in Abuja on Thursday, dismissing the president’s remarks as insincere. Sani drew a striking analogy to illustrate his point, saying, “Bola Tinubu is dismembering the political space and claiming he is not killing it. His rhetoric does not align with his actions.”
The criticism follows Tinubu’s comments during the National Assembly’s June 12 special session, where he appeared to revel in opposition parties’ troubles, stating, “It is in order to witness you in such a disarray.” While welcoming defectors to the ruling All Progressives Congress, Tinubu had insisted he doesn’t support a one-party system.
Sani condemned this attitude as unbecoming of a national leader, asserting, “As the leader of the nation, he should be a father to all, not someone who celebrates the collapse of the opposition.” The ADP chairman leveled serious allegations against the administration, claiming Tinubu is systematically consolidating power by appointing loyalists and associates from his ethnic group to key positions in oil, finance, and security sectors.
“This concentration of power in the hands of a few is a grave threat to democracy,” Sani warned. He accused the government of shrinking democratic space through manipulation and oppression of opposition parties, stating, “We’re witnessing a silent but deliberate erosion of democratic space. This is not democracy; it is domination.”
The ADP leader also took issue with comments by both Tinubu and APC officials characterizing opposition defectors as abandoning “a sinking ship.” Sani described such remarks as showing “a disturbing disregard for democratic values.”
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Sani lamented what he sees as the betrayal of its ideals. “June 12 is more than a public holiday; it symbolizes our resistance to tyranny and our yearning for people-driven governance,” he stated. He questioned whether Nigeria remains true to this legacy, warning that political repression could drive citizens toward undemocratic alternatives.
“While we reject calls for military intervention, we must acknowledge the conditions that breed such thoughts—when people are denied real democratic choices,” Sani said. He urged Nigerians to defend democracy and demand accountability from leaders.
The ADP chairman also criticized the 2023 elections as deeply flawed, citing low turnout, violence, and failures of INEC’s technology. “This is not progress; it is sabotage,” he declared.
Concluding with a stark warning, Sani said, “We cannot return to the dark days of June 12. Democracy without responsibility is reckless; governance without accountability is criminal.” He called on Tinubu to adopt inclusive policies that strengthen rather than weaken opposition parties and democratic institutions.
