President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly pledged that under his leadership, Nigeria will remain a vibrant multi-party democracy, stating unequivocally that the country will not descend into a one-party state.
He made this declaration during a landmark address at the joint sitting of the National Assembly, commemorating the 26th anniversary of Democracy Day.
Addressing growing public concern and criticism that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) harbours intentions of political monopoly, President Tinubu gave a personal assurance to the nation.
“To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error,” he stated, dismissing the claims as unfounded and misleading.
President Tinubu drew on his own experience during Nigeria’s volatile political past to reinforce his democratic credentials. Recalling his role during the 2003 political storm, he noted that when the then-dominant ruling party sought to eliminate opposition influence across the country, he stood firm as the lone progressive governor remaining in the South-West region.
“Even with all of that, they could not control our national destiny because fate is written from above. Nigeria will not become a one-party state now,” he declared.
He stressed that the foundation of democracy lies in the freedom of association and the right of citizens to join political parties of their choice, including the APC.
However, he made it clear that he has no intention of influencing or restructuring opposition parties. “The responsibility of proper opposition is in the hands of the opposition, not mine,” he asserted. “I will not advise the opposition to put its house in order, and I will not help them put their house in order either.”
In his address, President Tinubu also paid glowing tribute to the legislative institution for its historical role in defending Nigeria’s democracy, particularly during moments of political crisis.
He referenced the courage of the 5th National Assembly in 2006, which stood firm against a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed a third presidential term. “The 5th Assembly defended our democracy from an unseemly third-term agenda that would have torn the constitution apart,” he said.
He went on to highlight the 2010 decision by the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of necessity, which enabled then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to assume the role of Acting President amid a constitutional crisis. Tinubu praised that move as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, one that protected national stability at a critical juncture.
The President also looked back to the dark days of military dictatorship, recounting how some lawmakers took bold steps to defy tyranny.
In a poignant moment, he recalled the efforts of legislators, including former Senate President Ameh Ebute, who defied General Sani Abacha’s oppressive regime by reconvening the legislature in Lagos.
“Some of us defied the General and his goons to reconvene in the Old Parliament Building in Lagos. We were jailed for our defiance,” Tinubu recounted, earning applause from lawmakers in attendance.
He also acknowledged the role of his immediate predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, for taking steps to correct what he described as the historical injustice of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
Tinubu commended Buhari for officially recognising the victory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and his running mate Alhaji Babagana Kingibe—an election result that was widely accepted as free and fair but was nullified by the military government.
President Tinubu’s address not only served as a powerful reaffirmation of democratic ideals but also as a personal reflection on Nigeria’s hard-fought journey toward political freedom.
He underscored his administration’s dedication to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding constitutional governance, and preserving the sanctity of Nigeria’s multi-party political system.