President Bola Tinubu on Thursday expressed excitement over the current crisis in the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but pledged to foster diversity in the country’s political process and avoid a decline into a one-party state.
The President stated this while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly to mark Nigeria’s 26 years of democracy.
President Tinubu, a key figure in the June 12 struggle and a former ally of Abiola, used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to democratic governance amid rising economic hardship, security concerns, and demands for political reforms.
Thousands of PDP members including prominent party executives, former candidates, and lawmakers have been defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing internal crises, leadership struggles, and the main opposition party’s growing irrelevance as key reasons for their departure.
“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,” President Tinubu told the lawmakers.
“It is indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such a disarray. I am not here to make you politically happy,” the President stressed.
He continued “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.
“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,” President Tinubu added.
President Tinubu explained that he would be the last person to advocate such a scheme.
“In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of the progressive governors standing in my region.
“Yet, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My adversaries held all the cards that 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.
“The failed effort to create a one-party state placed progressive political forces on a trajectory to form the APC. It put me on the trajectory which has brought me before you today. I dare not do such a favour to any political adversary by repeating the same mistake of political overreach,” he said.
The President assured that his government continues to take bold and necessary steps that are aimed at growing the economy and improving lives.
“We are already seeing results. GDP grew by 3.4 percent in 2024, with Q4 hitting 4.6 percent, the highest quarter of growth in over a decade.
“Inflation is easing gradually, steadying the price of food staples like rice and beans.
“Our net foreign reserves have increased fivefold, and the Naira exchange rate has stabilized.
“Our balance of payments position is positive; our sovereign credit rating is improving as we continue to promote oil and non-oil exports. States now do not need to go about borrowing to pay salaries.
“In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited from affordable consumer credit through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), enabling them to purchase vehicles, light up and improve their homes and purchase life essentials,” President Tinubu assured.
June 12, officially recognized as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, marks the annulled 1993 presidential election widely believed to have been won by the late Moshood Abiola and has since become a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic resilience.
