The Presidency has dismissed claims that democracy is under threat in Nigeria, describing recent concerns by opposition parties, figures and human rights advocates as baseless and alarmist.
Presidency denied the claim in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
The Presidency criticised what it called ‘disgruntled opposition figures’ and ‘partisan human rights crusaders’ for raising false alarms over recent defections of key opposition leaders to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Presidency highlighted the ‘seismic shift’ in political alliances following the recent moves by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, towards President Tinubu and the APC.
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It also noted the alignment of major political actors in Delta and Rivers States with the ruling party, suggesting the developments had unsettled the opposition.
While acknowledging the opposition’s dismay over the breakdown of efforts to form a ‘grand coalition’ against the APC, the Presidency rejected accusations that the administration was promoting a one-party state or engaging in acts of blackmail and coercion.
“No policy, official action, or directive from the Presidency seeks to dismantle democracy or weaken the opposition”, said the Presidency.
It added that allegations of bribery and weaponisation of state institutions ‘only exist in the idle minds of politicians and their agents.’
The Presidency argued that the political shifts were a reflection of the freedom of association enshrined in democracy, insisting that citizens and politicians had the right to align with parties of their choice without being accused of undermining the democratic order.
“It is hypocrisy writ: for opposition politicians to cheer the formation of anti-Tinubu coalitions while condemning defections to the APC as a threat to democracy.”
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Highlighting President Tinubu’s longstanding record in strengthening opposition movements, particularly in the coalition that defeated an incumbent president in 2015, the Presidency maintained that Tinubu remained a committed democrat and a firm believer in a thriving multiparty system.
“Democracy is not threatened simply because politicians are exercising their freedom of association. Under President Tinubu, democracy is strong and the multiparty system will continue to flourish unhindered.”
The Presidency called on Nigerians to ‘protect democracy by respecting political choices’ and to ‘give alarmists, who draw their narratives from fiction, a wide berth.’
