President Bola Tinubu has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not trying to make Nigeria a one-party state and assured Nigerians that the ruling party remains open to everyone.
Speaking at a joint session of the National Assembly held to mark Democracy Day on Thursday, President Tinubu rejected claims that his government wants to silence opposition parties or force political unity. He said members of all parties are free to join the APC if they choose, and no one is being forced or pressured.
“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door. 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,” the President told lawmakers.
His comments come as opposition voices raise alarm over what they describe as an increasing number of defections and moves that could weaken democratic competition in the country. However, Tinubu said such worries are misplaced.
“I will not say, try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you to do so, either,” he said, in a remark directed at political parties dealing with internal issues.
Tinubu also took time to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic progress since the return of civilian government in 1999. He said the country has come a long way from its days under military rule, and citizens should take pride in what has been achieved.
“I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we had come as a nation. 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 said.
He remembered and praised figures who fought for democracy in Nigeria, especially the late Chief Moshood Abiola, whose 1993 election win was cancelled by the military government. Tinubu also recognized former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day and giving national honours to Abiola.
“Let me pay tribute to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed,” Tinubu noted.
The President also mentioned other well-known figures in the pro-democracy movement, including Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, saying their sacrifices should never be forgotten.
“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,” he said.
During his address, Tinubu called for unity between the executive and legislative branches of government. He said that although they may not always agree, working together is important for the good of the country.
“While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together, because this is what democracy demands of us,” he stated.
Tinubu ended his speech by reminding lawmakers that democracy is a shared journey that must be taken with commitment, trust, and hope.
“Democracy is not perfect, but it is the best path we have chosen. And we must walk it together—sometimes in disagreement, but always in hope,” he said..
