President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday stirred reactions with a bold declaration that he enjoys watching opposition political parties struggle with internal crises, adding that he has no intention of helping them resolve their issues.
Speaking during his State of the Nation address at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, held in commemoration of Democracy Day, the President urged political parties to take responsibility for their internal affairs rather than looking for scapegoats.
“Political parties that are worried about losing members should look inward and examine their internal processes instead of inventing imaginary enemies,” Tinubu said.
“Personally, I advise them to put their house in order because I certainly won’t help them do it. Frankly, it’s a pleasure to watch them in disarray.”
His comments come amid a surge in defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), fueling speculations that Nigeria could be drifting toward a one-party state.
Tinubu, however, dismissed such fears, insisting that the nation’s democratic system remains intact and inclusive.
“A one-party state is not in the making, and it should never be,” he said.
“However, it would be politically irresponsible to shut the door on members of other parties who now wish to join the APC. I warmly welcome our newest members, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, as well as other legislators who have joined us.”
He emphasized the importance of political plurality, noting that diversity in political affiliation is as vital as the diversity of Nigeria’s population.
“Our goal is not to eliminate political competition but to ensure that such competition benefits the nation. We must work across party lines wherever possible, in the interest of national unity and progress,” Tinubu said.
The President also announced that several Nigerians would be honoured for their service and sacrifice, including the late Kudirat Abiola, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
He further revealed plans to grant presidential pardons to some of the honourees and others, saying, “I shall be exercising my constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy to grant full pardons to these national heroes, along with others whose names will be announced in collaboration with the National Council of State.”