President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, June 12, 2025, dismissed widespread concerns that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is working toward establishing a one-party state, declaring that such fears are unfounded and “ring in error.”
Speaking during a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day, President Tinubu responded directly to critics warning against the monopolisation of political power by the APC.
“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 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.”
Citing his own political history, Tinubu recalled being the only opposition governor to withstand the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) sweep in 2003. “I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My adversaries held all the cards that mortal man could carry… A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state back then. Nigeria will not become such a state now,” he affirmed.
President Tinubu noted that defections to the APC from opposition parties should not be construed as part of a sinister agenda but rather as natural realignments. “A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be. That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC,” he said, welcoming recent defections, including those led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom.
He advised other parties to “put your house in order,” rather than attributing internal defections to an external conspiracy. “For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” he added.
During the address, Tinubu stressed the importance of multiparty democracy and open discourse. “We must always value dialogue over dictatorship, persuasion over suppression, and rights over might… Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so,” he stated.
He pledged continued cooperation with the legislature, highlighting key economic gains, including GDP growth of 3.4% in 2024 and inflation easing. He cited consumer credit initiatives, improvements in digital infrastructure, and expanding educational and job opportunities for youth.
On national security, Tinubu said inter-agency coordination and investments in intelligence and training have led to safer highways and reclaimed territories. He praised the Armed Forces for their sacrifices and commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty.
In commemoration of Democracy Day, the President conferred posthumous and living national honours on over 70 individuals who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s democratic journey. These included Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), and publisher Sam Amuka Pemu (CON), among others.
President Tinubu described June 12 as a date symbolic of the country’s democratic resilience, expressing appreciation to past heroes of democracy and recommitting his administration to inclusive governance and national development.
“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for,” he added.
