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Nigeria’s Presidency Addresses One-Party State Concerns
The Nigerian presidency has responded to concerns about the country moving towards a one-party system. These concerns arose after politicians defected from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recent Defections Prompt Discussion
Several prominent politicians recently joined the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa are among them. Additionally, key members of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano joined the APC. These defections led some critics to accuse the APC of trying to create a one-party state.
Presidency Calls Allegations “False and Baseless”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Media to President Tinubu, denied the accusations. “Democracy is not under any threat in Nigeria,” Onanuga stated, calling the claims “false, baseless, and exaggerated.” He confirmed there is no official policy aimed at weakening opposition parties or establishing single-party rule.
Presidency Points to Opposition Weaknesses
Onanuga suggested the opposition parties’ own issues contribute to the situation. He stated the opposition cannot blame President Tinubu or the APC for their “poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence.” He also noted that some critics previously supported defections that could weaken the APC.
Democratic Principles Remain Intact, Says Presidency
Onanuga reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic freedoms, including freedom of association, speech, and choice. He dismissed claims of bribery or the misuse of state institutions as baseless. The ability of critics to voice dissent demonstrates that Nigeria maintains a functioning democracy, he concluded.
