President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ruled out the emergence of a one-party state in Nigeria, assuring citizens that democratic plurality will be preserved under his administration.
Speaking during a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday as part of Democracy Day celebrations in Abuja, the President addressed concerns over the continued defection of opposition members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While reaffirming his commitment to democratic values, Tinubu noted that it would be inappropriate to block willing defectors from joining the APC, saying such action would amount to “political malpractice.”
“Nigeria will not become a one-party state. A one-party state is not in the offing. But we will be doing political malpractice if we close the doors for those who want to join APC,” Tinubu stated.
Although he refrained from offering advice to opposition parties, the President added that it was “better to witness them in disarray,” highlighting the strategic advantage such fragmentation provides to the ruling party.
President Tinubu’s remarks come amid growing political realignments and renewed debates about the future of party politics in Nigeria.
He however, paid tribute to former president Muhammadu Buhari, for making June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day and officially acknowledged Chief MKO Abiola as duly elected president of Nigeria after the 1993 presidential election.
The President also paid tribute to other heroes of democracy saying: “Whilst Abiola was the June 12’s central figure, Nigerians must not forget the long list of those who equally deserved to be called heroes of Nigerian democracy.
“We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression.
“We also remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, tortured and beaten by the military regime.”
The President also paid homage to several key figures in Nigeria’s democratic journey, recognizing their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to national progress.
Among those honoured were Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Balarabe Musa, Ganiyu Dawodu, Bagauda Kaltho, and Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu.
The President emphasized that the acknowledgment was symbolic and not exhaustive.
“I mention these names not to exclude or diminish the contributions of others, but to highlight—through these few heroes—the universality of our democratic struggle,” Tinubu said.
He further noted that the pro-democracy movement was never confined to a specific group or region, but represented a truly national effort.
“The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country. It was pan-Nigerian in its conception—and will become even more so as we strive to perfect it,” he stated.
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