By: Bello Wakili
The Presidency has dismissed concerns raised by opposition politicians and some civil society groups over the recent wave of defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying democracy remains strong and alive in Nigeria.
Reacting to the allegations, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the claims that the country was drifting towards a one-party state were baseless and exaggerated. “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,” Onanuga stated.
The statement noted that the recent political realignments including the open support for President Bola Tinubu by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former vice-presidential candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key figures in Delta and Rivers States had understandably unsettled the opposition.
Onanuga criticised opposition leaders for peddling false allegations against President Tinubu and the APC, blaming their internal disarray, indiscipline, and poor organisation for their misfortunes. He said it was hypocritical for those who celebrated the defection of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to a rival party to now accuse the ruling party of undermining democracy.
The presidency further stressed that freedom of association and freedom of choice are essential pillars of democracy, pointing out that citizens choosing to join the APC were exercising their democratic rights. It dismissed claims of bribery, blackmail, and coercion, insisting that no directive from the Presidency sought to weaken the opposition or dismantle democratic institutions.
Onanuga emphasised that President Tinubu remains a committed democrat who had a long history of strengthening opposition movements, which eventually led to the defeat of a sitting government in 2015.
He said president Tinubu and the National Working Committee of the APC, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, deserve commendation for making the ruling party viable and attractive to all Nigerians willing to participate in the democratic process.
The presidency called on Nigerians to respect the political choices of others and to disregard what it described as the “alarmist narratives” being pushed by disgruntled opposition elements.
