It’s My Pleasure to Witness Opposition Parties in Disarray — Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed fears that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state under the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such concerns as unfounded and driven by panic.
Speaking during a joint sitting of the National Assembly to mark June 12 Democracy Day, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values and political pluralism.
“For those who ring the alarm that the APC is on the path of a one-party state, at no time shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria,” he said. “I will be the last person to advocate it. As a democrat, I fought against it in the past. I cannot make the mistake of planning to do so now.”
In a clear dig at the opposition, Tinubu mocked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating, “It is my pleasure to witness the PDP in disarray.” He noted that he would neither assist nor advise the party in reorganising itself, adding that their current disorganised state benefits his political agenda.
Reflecting on the progress of Nigerian democracy since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Tinubu praised the resilience of democratic institutions. “Every time we argue instead of fight, we promote democracy,” he said.
He paid tribute to Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled 1993 election, and also recognised the contributions of other pro-democracy figures. He emphasised the importance of honouring all who played roles in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Tinubu cited the National Assembly’s 2010 invocation of the Doctrine of Necessity—through which President Goodluck Jonathan was empowered to lead the nation—as a landmark moment that demonstrated legislative maturity and national interest.
“Though I must not always agree with the National Assembly, we must forge a common front,” he said, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative arms.
The president urged the APC to remain open to new members and not to become complacent. “In their numbers, they [the PDP] boasted of ruling Nigeria for the next century or more. Where are they now? Even with all of that, they could not control my destiny or the destiny of the nation.”
