The Nigerian presidency has firmly rejected allegations of orchestrated political defections and a looming one-party state. Recent shifts in party allegiance, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), are attributed to the free will of politicians, drawn to President Tinubu’s reform agenda, rather than any coercion or inducement. The presidency maintains that democracy remains robust in Nigeria, with citizens exercising their fundamental right of association. Criticism levelled against the government is seen as a testament to the prevailing democratic freedoms, allowing opposition voices to express dissent without fear.
Accusations of bribery, blackmail, and the manipulation of state institutions to engineer these defections are dismissed as baseless fabrications by disgruntled opposition figures. The presidency asserts that it is not the role of the government to bolster or organize opposition parties. Instead, the APC’s appeal stems from its perceived effectiveness in addressing long-standing economic challenges and its commitment to a progressive agenda. The administration underscores that no policy or directive emanating from the presidency aims to dismantle democratic structures or undermine the role of the opposition. The focus remains on revitalizing the economy and delivering on promises made to the Nigerian people.
The presidency further challenges the moral standing of those who previously championed the formation of a regional coalition against President Tinubu, yet now decry the alleged drift towards a one-party system. It highlights the hypocrisy of these critics who celebrated the defection of former Governor El-Rufai to the SDP while simultaneously lamenting the current political realignments as a threat to democracy. The government emphasizes that freedom of association is a cornerstone of democratic governance, allowing individuals to align with parties that resonate with their political ideologies. Attempts to delegitimize the choices of some while upholding the choices of others are deemed a disservice to the democratic process.
President Tinubu’s democratic credentials are emphasized, citing his history of political activism and instrumental role in galvanizing opposition platforms against an incumbent president. This history, the presidency argues, underscores his unwavering commitment to multi-party democracy. The current political landscape, with politicians exercising their freedom to choose their affiliations, is presented as evidence of a vibrant and dynamic democratic system. The APC’s growing appeal is attributed to the leadership of President Tinubu and the party’s National Working Committee, effectively positioning the party as a viable choice for Nigerians seeking active participation in the political process.
The presidency calls upon all citizens to disregard alarmist narratives peddled by those who misrepresent the political dynamics. It reiterates the administration’s commitment to upholding and strengthening the democratic foundations of the Fourth Republic, ensuring that the multi-party system continues to thrive. The phenomenon of politicians switching party affiliations is not unique to Nigeria, the presidency observes, citing similar occurrences in more established democracies. The ongoing shifts in the Nigerian political scene are portrayed as a natural evolution within a robust democratic framework.
In essence, the presidency’s response frames the recent political realignments as a testament to the strength of Nigeria’s democracy. It emphasizes the freedom of individuals to choose their political affiliations, driven by their assessment of which party best represents their interests and aspirations. The government rejects accusations of manipulation and coercion, portraying them as the desperate claims of a disorganized and ineffective opposition. President Tinubu’s track record as a champion of democracy and the APC’s growing appeal are presented as evidence of the government’s commitment to a thriving multi-party system. The call to action is for Nigerians to embrace the dynamism of their political system and reject narratives that seek to undermine its democratic foundations.
