Presidency Dismisses Opposition Allegations of One-Party State, Amid Gale of Defections

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The Presidency has dismissed claims by opposition figures and critics that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described the allegations as “baseless propaganda” orchestrated by disgruntled politicians and partisan activists.

This follows recent high-profile defections from opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Notable among them are Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key political figures in the state.
Onanuga argued that the defections reflect the APC’s growing appeal, dismissing claims of coercion or state-sponsored intimidation.

He emphasized that freedom of association remains a fundamental democratic right, and politicians are free to align with any party of their choice.

“The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the APC for their internal disarray, poor organisation, and incompetence,” the statement read.

“Democracy is not threatened simply because citizens and politicians choose to support the President’s reforms.”

The Presidency also criticized what it called hypocrisy among opposition elements, citing their silence when former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and formed a regional coalition against the APC.

Onanuga reiterated Tinubu’s democratic credentials, recalling his role in building strong opposition movements in the past.

He assured Nigerians that the administration remains committed to upholding multiparty democracy and the principles of the Fourth Republic.

The statement urged the public to disregard “alarmist narratives” and support the government’s efforts to strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions.