The Presidency has robustly defended the strength of Nigeria’s democracy, dismissing claims of authoritarianism and asserting that recent high-profile defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are voluntary expressions of political freedom.
A statement issued by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, urged Nigerians to ignore “alarmists” and celebrate the vibrancy of the nation’s democratic system.
The statement comes in response to allegations from opposition figures and some activists who have raised concerns over defections by prominent politicians, including Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former PDP vice-presidential candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and key political actors in Delta and Rivers States. These defections, described as a “seismic shift” by Onanuga, have unsettled opposition groups, particularly those attempting to form a coalition against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Democracy is strong and alive in Nigeria,” Onanuga declared. “Accusations that the administration is promoting a one-party state or undermining opposition are baseless. Politicians are joining the APC out of their free will, inspired by President Tinubu’s reforms, which are geared toward reversing decades of economic mismanagement.”
The Presidency rejected claims of bribery, blackmail, or coercion, calling them “figments of the imagination” from opposition elements struggling with their own organizational failures. “It is not President Tinubu’s job to organize or strengthen opposition parties,” Onanuga said. “The opposition cannot blame the APC for their poor discipline and incompetence.”
Highlighting the democratic principle of freedom of association, the Presidency pointed to the hypocrisy of critics who celebrated the defection of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the formation of a regional coalition against the APC, yet now decry similar political choices as threats to democracy.
“When politicians cannot freely join the party of their choice or express their views, that is when democracy is imperiled,” Onanuga emphasized. “Opposition leaders can issue diatribes against the government without fear because we practice a thriving democracy.”
The statement also praised President Tinubu’s democratic credentials, noting his history as a political activist who strengthened opposition platforms to defeat a sitting president in 2015. “President Tinubu is an avowed democrat and a firm believer in multiparty democracy,” Onanuga said. “His administration is resolutely committed to upholding the democratic foundations of our Fourth Republic.”
The Presidency called on Nigerians to respect the political choices of their fellow citizens and dismiss narratives rooted in fiction. “Politicians changing party affiliations is not unique to Nigeria—it happens in advanced democracies worldwide,” Onanuga noted. “The APC, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, deserves commendation for making the party a viable platform for all Nigerians.”
As the nation looks toward the 2027 elections, the Presidency remains optimistic about the future of Nigeria’s democracy. “We urge all Nigerians to join hands with President Tinubu in protecting our democracy by giving alarmists a wide berth,” Onanuga concluded. “Together, we can ensure that our multiparty system continues to flourish unhindered.”