President Bola Tinubu has responded to recent accusations from opposition leaders suggesting that his government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are scheming to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. The president made his stance clear while addressing party members and stakeholders at the APC National Summit held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja on Thursday, May 22.
The controversy comes amid a wave of defections from the opposition to the APC, prompting claims by notable figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi that the president was behind efforts to destabilize rival parties. Both politicians alleged that Tinubu was deliberately orchestrating crises within opposition ranks to weaken their influence ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Their concerns were heightened by high-profile political moves, including defections from governors, lawmakers, and prominent politicians in opposition parties. Notably, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, while reports suggest the governor of Akwa Ibom may be considering a similar move, warning his appointees to align or resign.
However, during his remarks at the summit, President Tinubu dismissed the accusations, attributing the growing appeal of the APC to the party’s commitment to delivering on the aspirations of Nigerians. In his words:
“Before I speak, I just need to tell those who say a one-party system is not good. It’s one party ruling and driving the aspirations of Nigerians. Where do they stand? You don’t blame people bailing out of a sinking ship when there’s no life jacket.”
The president maintained that his party was not aiming to suppress the opposition but rather providing an attractive platform for those dissatisfied with the performance of their former parties. He argued that it was natural for politicians to realign with a government that was making tangible progress.
President Tinubu’s comments come as Nigeria’s political space braces for the buildup to the 2027 elections, with opposition leaders insisting they will resist any attempts to erode multiparty democracy. Meanwhile, the APC continues to consolidate its influence, as more politicians cross over amid the ongoing political realignments.
The president’s full statement, as shared on social media, can be viewed here.
