By Dayo Dare
Following the recent defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members to the All Progressives Congress (APC), many Nigerians have begun to worry that the country could be moving toward a one-party system. But President Bola Tinubu has sought to allay those fears.
The president said the move — carried out by a former governor and other political figures — is a demonstration of democratic freedom and should not be viewed as anything more.
Speaking Thursday at the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit, held at the State House Conference Centre, Tinubu addressed party leaders, the National Working Committee, the leadership of the National Assembly, and the Progressive Governors Forum, which includes 22 governors. The gathering collectively endorsed him for a second term.
Tinubu addressed concerns about the growing dominance of the APC and the fears of opposition leaders, who believe the wave of defections could erode Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
“Before I speak, I just need to tell those saying the one-party system is not good: it is one party ruling and driving the aspirations of Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
“A one-party system is not suitable for democracy. We are one party ruling and carrying on with the aspirations of Nigerians. You don’t expect people to remain in a sinking ship without a life jacket. I am happy with what we have accomplished and expecting more people to come — that’s the game.”
He continued: “Don’t forget that the freedom of movement and the freedom of association are not criminally punishable. Welcome to the progressives. Sweep them clean with the broom.”
The president emphasized that there is no wrongdoing in political defection. According to him, critics have ignored the constitutional freedoms that allow individuals to realign politically.
“I’m glad about what we have, and I’m expecting more to come. That is the game. We’re in a constitutional democracy,” he said, adding that the doors of the APC are always open to new members.
During his speech, Tinubu also outlined the administration’s ongoing economic reforms.
“Today, I am proud to affirm that our economic reforms are working. Nothing good comes easy in life. All of you have been through life, and sometimes only hard decisions can make things easy in the future,” he said. “We couldn’t just afford to spend the future of our children and unborn babies.”
Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu said, the administration is tackling economic instability, improving nationwide security, reducing corruption, reforming governance, and working to lift Nigerians out of poverty.
He reiterated his administration’s decision to remove fuel subsidies and said it is addressing corruption head-on, citing the recent recovery of about 750 houses linked to a corrupt official by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Tinubu pledged that Nigeria’s economic revival is underway and that the country would be industrialized within the next few years.
“We have the mission, we have the vision,” he declared, adding that while he cannot offer political positions to everyone, he urged patience and unity within the party.
He reaffirmed the APC’s identity as the party of choice, symbolized by the broom.
“Sweep the dust away. Thank you for your endorsements,” he said.
