Abuja, Nigeria – June 12, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday made it clear that he takes no responsibility for the internal disarray facing Nigeria’s opposition parties, declaring that it is not his role to help them organise themselves. Speaking during a special State of the Nation Address at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja to mark Democracy Day, the President also dismissed fears that his administration is steering Nigeria toward a one-party system.
“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,” Tinubu said, in a pointed remark aimed at critics of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “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.”
The statement comes amid a wave of defections to the APC, including prominent figures from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, such as Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno, as well as several legislators. While critics suggest this trend signals an erosion of political plurality, Tinubu dismissed any suggestion that Nigeria is on the path to a single-party regime.
“A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be,” the President affirmed. “We would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC. We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we embrace the diversity of our population.”
He emphasised that political competition must be preserved, not eliminated, noting that such competition—when constructive—strengthens national unity and democratic health. “Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible,” he added.
Honouring Nigeria’s Democratic Icons
In a symbolic gesture aligned with the spirit of Democracy Day, President Tinubu announced national honours for a number of notable Nigerians who contributed to the country’s democratic evolution. Among the honourees are the late Kudirat Abiola, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
The President also revealed that he would be exercising his constitutional prerogative of mercy, offering posthumous pardons to these figures and others, whose names will be released in coordination with the National Council of State.
“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon,” Tinubu stated.
As Nigeria marks 31 years since the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the most credible in its history, the President’s address underscores the continued political and symbolic weight of the date. It also highlights the evolving discourse around democracy, power, and political inclusion in Africa’s largest democracy.