President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has categorically denied allegations that his administration is working toward establishing a one-party state in Nigeria or attempting to obstruct the registration of a new coalition party with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking during a Joint Session of the National Assembly to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day on June 12, President Tinubu dismissed the rumours as unfounded and politically motivated.
He said: “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.”
The president used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to political plurality and democratic ideals, recalling his own history of opposition to single-party dominance.
Referencing the early 2000s, he said, “In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of the progressive governors standing in my region.”
Tinubu went further to emphasize his government’s non-interference with INEC processes, particularly regarding party registration.
“I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC,” he said, adding that parties worried about internal defections should “put their houses in order,” rather than scapegoating the ruling party.
The president welcomed recent defectors from opposition parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Delta and Akwa Ibom governors, Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno, respectively.
He also clarified, however, that this political migration should not be misinterpreted as an orchestrated campaign to wipe out opposition voices.
“A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be,” Tinubu declared, stressing that robust political competition remains essential for Nigeria’s democratic health. He called for collaboration across party lines to drive development, particularly in economic and legislative initiatives.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the president’s remarks come amid rising speculation in political circles about the possibility of a merger between key opposition figures to form a new coalition party.
While INEC has not commented on the status of any such registration, President Tinubu’s categorical denial appears aimed at easing concerns about undue political interference.
Beyond the political clarifications, Tinubu’s Democracy Day address equally highlighted key achievements of his administration, including economic recovery efforts, infrastructure development, national security, and expanded access to consumer credit for Nigerian citizens.
He also announced national honours for over 70 individuals who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic struggle, including a posthumous pardon for the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow Ogoni activists known as “Ogoni 9.”
The president called for national unity and renewed dedication to the values of June 12; freedom, justice, and accountable governance.
In his words, “Let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12… a just society where no one is oppressed,” the president concluded.