President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has openly stated that he finds satisfaction in the internal struggles of opposition political parties, making it clear that he has no plans to assist them in resolving their issues.
Addressing lawmakers during a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday as part of the Democracy Day celebration, Tinubu urged political groups facing defections to focus on fixing their internal problems rather than blaming outside forces.
“Parties that are anxious about losing members should take a hard look at their internal workings instead of imagining threats that do not exist,” he said.
“As for me, I encourage you to manage your affairs on your own. Watching the disarray is honestly quite entertaining.”
His remarks come amid a wave of high-profile defections from rival parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting public debate over whether Nigeria is drifting towards a dominant-party system.
But Tinubu dismissed those concerns, stating firmly that the idea of Nigeria becoming a one-party state is unfounded and not part of his agenda.
“Nigeria is not heading toward a one-party system, and it should never be,” he said.
“However, it would be wrong to turn away people from other parties who choose to join the APC. I wholeheartedly welcome our newest members, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, along with other lawmakers joining our fold.”
He stressed the need to embrace Nigeria’s political and cultural diversity, adding that healthy competition among parties is essential to democratic growth.
“Our aim shouldn’t be to stifle political opposition but to ensure that political rivalry contributes meaningfully to national development,” Tinubu said.
“Whenever possible, we should seek bipartisan cooperation for the good of the country.”
During his address, the President also revealed plans to honour a number of prominent Nigerians for their roles in advancing the nation.
Those to be recognised include the late Kudirat Abiola, renowned playwright and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and environmental rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
In addition, Tinubu announced he would be granting presidential pardons to some of these figures, using his constitutional authority under the prerogative of mercy.
“I intend to offer full pardons to these national icons and others, whose names will be made public in consultation with the National Council of State,” he stated.
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