President Bola Tinubu has dismissed fears that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party system, assuring citizens that democracy remains firmly embedded in the country’s political landscape.
The New Daily Prime gathered that following a wave of defections from major opposition parties, many Nigerians have expressed concern that the defection of key politicians to the All Progressives Congress (APC) could signal the emergence of a one-party state.
Speaking during a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Democracy Day 2025 on Thursday, Mr Tinubu stressed that a vibrant opposition is essential for democratic growth.
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He affirmed that his administration would never undermine the multi-party system enshrined in the Constitution.
Mr Tinubu added that, given his political history, he would be the last person to advocate for a one-party system.
He recalled that in 2003, when the then-ruling party attempted to eliminate political opposition through manipulation and coercion, he remained the last standing progressive governor in his region.
“To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be a result of your panic, it rings in error. At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.
“In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling, not governing, Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are they now? Yet, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My adversaries held all the cards that a mortal man could carry. Even with all of that, they could not control our national destiny because fate is written from above. A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state back then. Nigeria will not become such a state now”, Mr Tinubu said.
According to him, the failed attempt to establish a one-party state set progressive political forces on the path to forming the APC.
He stated that this development also set him on the trajectory that eventually led to his emergence as President.
“I dare not do such a favour to any political adversary by repeating the same mistake of political overreach.”
The president said, “A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC and I sincerely welcome our party’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this National Assembly.
“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. 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.
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“We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population. Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible.
“One area in which democracy calls us to work together, whether in the legislative or executive branch, whether in this or other political parties, is that of economic and social development.”
