President Bola Tinubu has refuted claims that his administration is steering Nigeria toward a one-party system, assuring Nigerians that the ruling All Progressives Congress remains inclusive and welcomes members from all political backgrounds.
Speaking during a special joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, Tinubu said the APC has no fear of political competition and is open to receiving defectors from opposition parties.
“All Nigerians are welcome in the progressive fold. The APC is not afraid of competition—either from within or outside. Any political party worried about losing members should focus on its internal issues, not conjure imaginary threats,” the President told lawmakers during the session.
His comments come amid heightened concerns from opposition parties and civil society groups, who have accused the ruling party of attempting to dominate Nigeria’s political space and silence dissent.
Rejecting these claims, Tinubu took a swipe at opposition parties grappling with internal divisions, saying, “I will not help you put your house in order. That is your responsibility.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey from military rule to democracy, Tinubu highlighted the country’s progress over the past two decades, describing the transition as a collective national achievement.
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“I felt a deep sense of pride recognizing how far our country has come. Democracy, once buried under military rule, has now emerged as the most acceptable form of governance for our resilient people,” he said.
The President paid tribute to pro-democracy icons, including the late Chief Moshood Abiola, whose presidential election victory in 1993 was annulled by the military. He commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day and posthumously awarding Abiola Nigeria’s highest national honour.
“We must not forget the bravery of Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, and countless activists, journalists, and politicians who were either imprisoned, exiled, or killed for standing up for democracy,” Tinubu stated.
Calling for harmony between the executive and legislative arms of government, he urged lawmakers to put national interest above personal or partisan considerations.
“Nation-building is not a one-man task. While we may not always agree, we must find common ground to serve the people. Democracy is not perfect, but it remains our best option—and we must walk this path together, with unity and hope,” Tinubu concluded.
June 12 is officially recognized as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in honour of the annulled 1993 elections, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history.
