Tinubu dismisses one-party state fears
Those thinking that the gale of defections of high-profile opposition figures into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would turn Nigeria into a one-party state are living with the fear of the harmless, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said yesterday.
Dismissing their fears, the President described defections as reflections of the people’s democratic choices and aspirations.
He spoke at the APC National Summit held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
The President was reacting to worries about the growing dominance of the APC, which has welcomed some prominent defectors, including a governor, a former opposition vice presidential candidate, and federal and state lawmakers.
Several opposition leaders have expressed fears that the defections if left unchecked, could erode Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
President Tinubu said: “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.
“Where do they stand? You don’t blame people bailing out of a sinking ship when there’s no life jacket.”
According to him, the critics have overlooked the constitutional freedoms that allow individuals to realign politically.
He said: “I’m glad about what we have and I’m expecting more to come. That is the game. We’re in a constitutional democracy.
“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.”
Welcoming the defectors, the President said the APC door would remain open for more new members.
