By Patrick Idowu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will not slide into a one-party state under his administration.
Speaking at a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday during the Democracy Day celebration in Abuja, the President dismissed concerns over the growing defection of opposition members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He emphasized that while the APC continues to welcome new members, it would be wrong to suggest that this signals a move towards a one-party system.
“Nigeria will not become a one-party state. A one-party state is not in the offing,” Tinubu said. “But we would be committing political malpractice if we close the doors to those who wish to join the APC.”
He jokingly remarked that he would not advise the opposition to put their house in order, saying, “It is better to witness them in such disarray.”
The President added that political parties fearful of losing members should examine their internal dynamics, rather than blaming external factors.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the health of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and concerns over the weakening of opposition voices in the country.
