President Bola Tinubu has dismissed allegations that his administration is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state, insisting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains open to all Nigerians, including opposition members.
Speaking during a special joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday to mark Democracy Day, Tinubu said the APC is not afraid of political competition, whether internal or external, and welcomes new members from other parties.
“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door,” Tinubu said. “Parties that fear losing members should examine their internal affairs instead of inventing imaginary threats.”
His remarks come amid rising concerns from opposition parties and critics who accuse the ruling APC of seeking to entrench political dominance and weaken dissent.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, Tinubu added: “I will not help you put your house in order. That’s your job.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the end of military rule, Tinubu described the country’s progress as a shared national achievement.
“I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I saw how far we’ve come. Democracy has risen from the ashes of dictatorship to become the only acceptable form of governance for our resilient people.”
He paid tribute to pro-democracy figures, particularly the late Chief Moshood Abiola, whose 1993 presidential victory was annulled, and praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for posthumously honouring Abiola and declaring June 12 as Democracy Day.
“We also remember the sacrifices of Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, and countless others—journalists, activists, and politicians—who paid the price for the democracy we now enjoy.”
Tinubu called for stronger collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.
“Nation-building is not a solo project,” he said. “While we may disagree at times, democracy requires us to work together. It is imperfect, but it remains our best hope—and we must walk its path united.”
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