Tinubu Dismisses One-Party State Fears, Reaffirms Commitment To Multiparty Democracy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed concerns that his administration harbors intentions of establishing a one-party state, calling such fears “unfounded” and “erroneous.”

In a message posted on his official X handle, the president directly addressed critics who have accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining Nigeria’s democratic diversity. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the principles of multiparty democracy.

“To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error,” Tinubu wrote.

The post is an excerpt from the president’s State of the Nation address delivered to a Joint Session of the National Assembly, part of the activities marking Democracy Day.

He emphasized that he has never supported—and will never support—the idea of a single-party system in Nigeria.

“At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria,” Tinubu said. “I have never attempted to alter any political party’s registration with INEC.”

However, he noted that individuals choosing to leave their political parties should not be vilified, remarking:

“We cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.”

The president’s remarks appear aimed at dispelling growing public and political anxiety over recent defections and perceived dominance by the APC in Nigeria’s political space.

Source: X | @officialABAT