In a firm stance against accusations of authoritarian tendencies, President Bola Tinubu has publicly dismissed suggestions that his administration is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state. Speaking during a special joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Democracy Day on June 12, Tinubu reaffirmed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains an inclusive platform open to all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations.

Addressing lawmakers with unwavering confidence, Tinubu emphasized that the APC has no fears of internal rivalry or external competition, and is prepared to welcome defectors from opposition parties. “You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door. Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs, rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist,” he stated, signaling his commitment to democratic pluralism.

His comments arrive amidst mounting concerns from opposition groups and critics who have accused the APC of attempting to suppress dissent and consolidate political dominance across Nigeria. Opposition figures have voiced fears that the ruling party’s increasing influence could undermine the democratic fabric of the nation. However, Tinubu’s remarks sought to quell such fears, framing the APC as a genuinely open political entity.

“I will not say, try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you to do so, either,” the president added, a pointed reference to the internal crises plaguing some opposition parties.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey over the past two decades, Tinubu noted the nation’s substantial gains since its transition from military rule. “I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we had come as a nation. Democracy has risen from the ashes of military rule to reclaim its rightful place as the only acceptable form of governance for our resilient and beloved people,” he affirmed.

He paid homage to Nigeria’s pioneering democracy heroes, particularly the late Chief Moshood Abiola, whose 1993 presidential victory—groundbreaking at the time—was annulled by the military regime. Tinubu praised recent efforts to honor this legacy, referencing former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2018 declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day and the conferment of Nigeria’s highest national honor on Abiola.

“Let me pay tribute to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed,” Tinubu said, acknowledging the symbolic importance of acknowledging the annulled election.

The president also honored other martyrs of Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, including Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, victims of state repression, and remembered the civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians who endured imprisonment, exile, or worse for defending democratic ideals.

Throughout his speech, Tinubu underscored the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative branches, reminding lawmakers that democracy requires unity amidst diversity. “While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together, because this is what democracy demands of us,” he urged.

He concluded with a call for collective perseverance, insisting that “democracy is not perfect, but it is the best path we have chosen. And we must walk it together—sometimes in disagreement, but always in hope,” a reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing democratic voyage.