The Presidency has dismissed claims that democracy is under threat in Nigeria, following recent defections of key opposition figures to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the opposition’s alarmist claims are baseless and exaggerated.
Onanuga noted that the defections, including those of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno and Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, are a testament to the APC’s viability and attractiveness. He attributed the opposition’s disarray to their poor organization, indiscipline, and incompetence.
“While the opposition elements are understandably heartbroken over the failure of their fabled grand coalition to gain traction, we find it disturbing that they resorted to peddling false allegations of promoting a one-party State against President Bola Tinubu, who is working very hard to reverse decades of economic mismanagement in our country.
“Contrary to the false claims in the propaganda materials in circulation across mainstream and social media, democracy is not under any threat in Nigeria. Accusations that the administration is moving towards authoritarianism are baseless and exaggerated.
“We must add that no policy, official action, or directive from the Presidency seeks to “dismantle democracy” or “weaken opposition or create a one-party state.” Accusations of bribery, blackmail, and the weaponisation of state institutions only exist in the idle minds of politicians and their agents who have failed in their assigned role of opposition and are fishing for scapegoats
“The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the governing APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs. It is certainly not part of President Tinubu’s job to organise or strengthen opposition parties.
“We find it curious that those who celebrated the defection of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the formation of a regional grand coalition with the sole aim of defeating President Tinubu in the 2027 election are the same people shedding crocodile tears over Nigeria’s so-called drift to a one-party state and authoritarianism”
The statement emphasized that freedom of association, speech, and choice are fundamental to democracy, and Nigerians are exercising their rights by joining the APC. Onanuga commended President Bola Tinubu and the APC’s National Working Committee, led by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for making the party attractive to Nigerians.
The Presidency urged Nigerians to respect the democratic process and ignore alarmists peddling false narratives. Onanuga reiterated that President Tinubu is an avowed democrat committed to upholding and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
