TINUBU DENIES ONE-PARTY AGENDA, SAYS CREDIBLE OPPOSITION KEY TO DEMOCRACY
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
President Bola Tinubu has dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, stressing that a strong and credible opposition is vital for democratic growth.
Speaking at the national convention of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja on Friday night, the president said democracy can only thrive in an environment of healthy political competition.
Opposition parties have repeatedly accused Tinubu and the APC of attempting to dominate the political space and steer the country toward a one-party system, but the president described such claims as unfounded, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to national unity and democratic principles.
“Let us say this clearly and sincerely. We are here for national unity and greatness. We are not going to look back. Critics can say it anyway they want,” he said.
“We thank the Lord for what we have been doing in the last three years—26 years of unbroken freedom, commitment, and democracy.
“Let me reiterate, especially to those who often lament and misunderstand us: we do not seek a one-party state.”
Tinubu emphasised that credible opposition plays a crucial role in governance by challenging policies and improving decision-making.
“Democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition. As a statesman and political leader, I believe in a credible opposition—one that can challenge, question, and help refine policies.
“That is how statecraft improves, and good governance is achieved. That is how nations advance.”
He also reaffirmed the constitutional right to freedom of association, noting that it applies to all political actors, including members of the APC.
“But we cannot burn the constitutional freedom of our association. As a statesman and a political leader, I believe in credible opposition,” he said.
“One, you can challenge, question, and help refine policies. That is how improvements and good governance are achieved. That is how all nations thrive.”
On power supply, the president assured Nigerians that electricity outages would soon ease, noting that efforts were underway to improve generation and distribution.
“I assure you, many of you lamenting the problem of electricity and power; we are paying attention to that,” he said.
“Electricity will become better, and we assure you there will be opportunities and progress in our industrialisation.
“Through the Grid Asset Management Company, we will inject approximately 1,500 megawatts into a new grid corridor,” the president said.
“The impact of our programmes is visible, tangible, impactful, and measurable—not mere rhetoric as some opposition elements like to suggest. We are moving from survival mode to stability.”
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