President Bola Tinubu has pushed back against growing claims that his government is trying to weaken the opposition and steer Nigeria toward a one-party system.
Speaking candidly at an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu said he understands that criticism comes with the job — but insists the accusations are misplaced.
“Critics will always talk and give you names,” he said. “When they accused me of killing the opposition, I didn’t have a gun. I could have even issued myself a licence, since I have the authority.”
His remarks come at a time when major opposition parties — the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, and the New Nigeria People’s Party — are battling internal crises, with some members defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
While critics have accused the APC of fueling those divisions to tighten its grip on power, Tinubu said the ruling party should not be blamed for the opposition’s struggles.
“I can’t blame anyone for jumping out of a sinking ship,” he added, in what many saw as a pointed reference to the wave of defections.
Beyond politics, the president urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s bigger challenges, especially insecurity. According to him, issues like terrorism and banditry require unity and collective effort — not deepening political rivalry.
Tinubu also defended his administration’s economic reforms, saying they are beginning to yield results and stabilise the country.
“You don’t need to chase me for dollars; you can see where Nigeria is today,” he said. “We are enjoying a more stable economy, and prosperity is ahead of us. This requires hard work and collective commitment.”
Although he has previously taken jabs at opposition parties — including saying during his 2025 Democracy Day address that he was content watching them “self-immolate” — Tinubu maintains that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on political plurality.
At a recent APC National Executive Committee meeting, he again dismissed talk of a one-party agenda, while encouraging politicians from other platforms to join the ruling party, insisting that democratic competition remains essential to the nation’s future.
