Tinubu Vows APC Will Stay Inclusive, Snubs One‑Party State Accusations

President Bola Tinubu, speaking on June 12, 2025, dismissed allegations that his administration is steering Nigeria toward a one‑party state. Declaring the APC a “platform open to all Nigerians,” he urged opposition members to self-reflect rather than blame his party .

Addressing a joint session of the National Assembly for Democracy Day, he reaffirmed his commitment to democratic plurality:

“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door.”
He added that he would not assist failing parties, telling them to “put your house in order” .

Tinubu’s comments respond to growing concern—highlighted by a statement from civil society groups including Richard Akinnola and Chidi Odinkalu—that Nigeria may be tipping into one‑party dominance.

He pointed to the APC’s rising membership, including high-profile defectors from PDP and NNPP, as evidence of popularity rather than coercion. “It is only one party that is ruling… you cannot blame people for their choice,” he said .

Setting the tone for a united legislature, he called on lawmakers to work across party lines, reminding them that democracy demands cooperation even amid disagreement.

Reflecting on two decades since military rule, Tinubu paid homage to democracy heroes like MKO Abiola and Kudirat Abiola, reinforcing his view that Nigeria’s future depends on shared governance and respect for all voices.

With attention now turning to the 2027 elections and APC’s growing dominance, Tinubu’s challenge lies in turning rhetoric into action—and convincing skeptics that Nigeria remains firmly multiparty.