President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed allegations that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is working towards establishing a one-party state in Nigeria.
Addressing the joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day, 2025, Tinubu described the rumour as false and unfounded, stressing that he has never supported or attempted to promote a one-party system.
“To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. Your alarm may be the result of panic, but it rings in error,” he said.
Recalling his political history, Tinubu said he resisted similar attempts by the then-ruling party in 2003, when he remained the only opposition governor in the South-West adding, “In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are they now?”
The president maintained that the attempt to create a one-party state in the past failed and ultimately led to the formation of the APC, adding that he would not repeat what he called “the mistake of political overreach.”
“A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be,” Tinubu stressed.
However, he defended the recent defection of opposition from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among members of the other political parties to the APC, welcoming new members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno.
“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs,” he added.
Tinubu called for cooperation across party lines, especially in matters of economic and social development, noting that democracy thrives on political diversity and competition.
“Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition beneficial to national well-being,” he said.
However, Tinubu made it known point blank noted that he was happy that other political parties could not manage their members pointing out, “For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. “It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.
