President Tinubu Dismisses One-Party Agenda, Advises Opposition to Reform

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly dismissed concerns that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state, calling such fears "unfounded" and "rooted in panic, not fact."

The statement was contained in the President’s speech on Thursday while addressing the joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day.

President Tinubu assured Nigerians that the ruling party has no intention of undermining the nation’s multiparty democracy. "At no time in the past, nor at any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria," he said.

Tinubu pointed to his own political history as evidence of his commitment to pluralism, recalling his tenure as the last standing progressive governor in his region during the 2003 political cycle, when the then-dominant party attempted to suppress opposition voices.

"Even with all the odds against me, they could not control our national destiny. Fate, written from above, preserved Nigeria from becoming a one-party state then—and will do so again."

He attributed the failed attempt at political domination to the eventual formation of the APC, a coalition of progressive forces. "That experience placed us on a path that has brought us to where we are today. I will not repeat the mistake of political overreach," Tinubu added.

While refuting claims of an attempt to monopolize political power, the President defended the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC. "We would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those who now seek to join us," he stated.

He officially welcomed new party members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno, along with several National Assembly members.

In a pointed critique of opposition parties, Tinubu suggested their focus should be on internal reform rather than projecting baseless fears. "Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes rather than conjuring up demons that do not exist. Put your house in order—I will not help you do so," he said.

The President reaffirmed his support for a healthy multiparty democracy. "We must embrace the diversity of political parties just as we embrace the diversity of our people. Our goal is not to eliminate political competition but to make it meaningful, for the good of the nation."