The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is neither seeking nor supportive of a one-party state, stressing the government’s commitment to political pluralism and democratic competition.
This is as he said Tinubu’s administration would continue to deepen consultations with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on issues affecting the country,
In a statement on Wednesday, Akume’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, said the government remained deeply respectful of the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in the spirit of true democracy.
“The Tinubu administration is neither seeking nor in support of a one-party state, just as it remains deeply respectful of the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in the spirit of true democracy”, the statement partly read.
He said Nigeria’s democratic system continued to guarantee genuine political competition, lawful opposition, multi-party democracy, credible elections and citizens’ rights to participate freely in the democratic process.
Citing evidence of political pluralism in the country, Akume pointed to the registration of 21 political parties by INEC, insisting that the Federal Government neither sought nor supported a one-party state.
The SGF further assured that the Tinubu administration would “Continue to respect the legal autonomy of INEC and provide all resources lawfully appropriated for the commission’s responsibilities,” while maintaining that security agencies had “conducted themselves professionally and impartially during elections under the scrutiny of international observers.”
Akume reaffirmed the government’s broader commitment to constitutional democracy, saying the administration remained dedicated to “the rule of law and equal rights for all Nigerians irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.”
He said the Federal Government would continue to welcome sincere counsel from respected national institutions, noting that “No responsible government should ignore the concerns of its people.”
Akume said the government was also sustaining dialogue and conflict prevention through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), describing collaboration with religious institutions as indispensable to advancing the national interest.
He said, “Many of the challenges confronting our nation require partnership. Faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens all have indispensable roles to play in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and advancing national development. Constructive engagement between Government and these institutions is therefore not only welcome but essential.”
Akume added that, “The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will continue consultations with the leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on the issues raised during the meeting and on areas where greater collaboration can advance the national interest.”
He said the Federal Government had taken note of public reactions following the meeting between Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops, using the opportunity to reaffirm its profound respect for the Catholic Church and its enduring contributions to Nigeria’s development through education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance.
He explained that discussions between the President and the Bishops were candid, respectful and constructive, covering concerns relating to security, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
According to him, both parties also acknowledged progress made under the administration, including the student loan programme and recent successes by security agencies in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
Akume noted that while there were areas of agreement and differences in assessment, such differences should not be interpreted as a breakdown in mutual respect or detract from the shared commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress.
The SGF’s remarks come amid public reactions trailing a recent meeting between President Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, where issues of political pluralism, electoral credibility and religious freedom were reportedly part of the discussion.
