Tinubu says Nigeria is not drifting into a one-party state as feared by critics.
He urges rivals to fix internal issues instead of blaming others for growing defections.
SEE ALSO: Full Text of President Tinubu’s 2025 Democracy Day Address
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has denied claims that his administration is working to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. He made it clear that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains open to accepting members from other political parties.
Speaking on Thursday during a special joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja to mark Democracy Day, Tinubu addressed lawmakers and reassured the public that political inclusion remains a core principle of his leadership.
“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door,” the president said, urging opposition parties to focus more on internal reform than casting blame.
He added, “Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs, rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist.”
While addressing concerns over the rising influence of the APC, Tinubu made it clear that he would not interfere with the internal problems of other parties. “I will not say, try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you to do so, either,” he stated.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the end of military rule in 1999, the president expressed pride in the country’s progress. “I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realized how far we had come as a nation,” Tinubu said. “Democracy has risen from the ashes of military rule to reclaim its rightful place as the only acceptable form of governance for our resilient and beloved people.”
He also honored the memory of late Chief Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 election. Tinubu praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognizing Abiola and declaring June 12 as Democracy Day. “Let me pay tribute to my predecessor… for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed,” he said.
Acknowledging the sacrifices of democracy activists, Tinubu said, “We must celebrate the courage of Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression.”
“We remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians who were imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, and beaten.”
“While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together because this is what democracy demands of us,” he concluded, calling for unity between the executive and legislative arms.
