The Presidency on Sunday dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is plotting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state following a series of high-profile defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency described the allegations as “false, baseless, and exaggerated.”
The development follows the recent defection of top opposition leaders, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Several other PDP stalwarts in Delta, alongside chieftains of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State, also joined the APC last week.
The wave of defections has sparked concerns among political observers and opposition figures, with critics warning of a potential slide towards authoritarianism.
Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine, was among those who accused the ruling party of coercing opposition leaders into defecting.
Reacting, Onanuga insisted that democracy remains vibrant in Nigeria and that the freedom of association is being fully respected under Tinubu’s leadership.
“Contrary to the false claims circulating in mainstream and social media, democracy is not under any threat in Nigeria,” the statement read.
“No policy, official action, or directive from the Presidency seeks to dismantle democracy, weaken opposition, or create a one-party state.”
Onanuga added that allegations of bribery, blackmail, and the weaponisation of state institutions “only exist in the idle minds of politicians who have failed in their opposition role.”
He faulted critics for turning a blind eye when some politicians allegedly began forming regional coalitions aimed at unseating President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
“It is certainly not part of President Tinubu’s job to organise or strengthen opposition parties,” Onanuga said.
“The opposition cannot blame the President and the APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs.”
He also accused critics of hypocrisy, pointing out that the same voices lamenting defections to the APC celebrated the reported defection of former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Onanuga maintained that politicians are exercising their constitutional rights by freely associating with political parties of their choice, stressing that such movements are integral to a thriving democracy.
“Those opposed to the Tinubu administration must recognise that their ability to criticise government policies openly without fear is a testament to Nigeria’s democratic strength,” he added.
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