Tinubu dismisses defection criticism: President Bola Tinubu has urged members of opposition parties to accept responsibility for their internal failures and stop blaming him for their alleged inability to manage their affairs.
Speaking through a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu questioned why the defection of figures like former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was being celebrated, while defections from opposition parties to the APC were being criticised.
The statement, titled “Democracy Strong and Alive in Nigeria, Ignore Alarmists,” reads in part:
“We have noted the alarming remarks made by disgruntled opposition members, partisan human rights activists, and self-styled defenders of democracy regarding the recent defections of key opposition figures to the APC.
The notable political shifts — including Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s public endorsement of President Tinubu, the defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former PDP vice-presidential candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and other prominent leaders in Delta and Rivers States — have clearly unsettled the opposition and their supporters.
While their dismay at the collapse of their much-touted grand coalition is understandable, it is disturbing that they resort to spreading false accusations against President Tinubu, alleging an attempt to create a one-party state, despite his efforts to reverse years of economic mismanagement.
Contrary to the propaganda circulating in mainstream and social media, democracy in Nigeria is not under threat. Claims of authoritarianism are unfounded and exaggerated.
There has been no policy, action, or directive from the Presidency aimed at dismantling democracy, weakening the opposition, or creating a one-party state. Allegations of bribery, blackmail, and misuse of state institutions exist only in the minds of politicians who have failed in their duties and are seeking scapegoats.”
Still on Tinubu dismisses defection criticism
The statement continued:
“The opposition must not blame President Tinubu or the APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross mismanagement. Strengthening opposition parties is not the President’s responsibility.
It is hypocritical for those who celebrated Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s move to the SDP and the formation of a regional anti-Tinubu coalition to now lament a supposed drift toward a one-party system and authoritarian rule.
While they raised no objection to the creation of a coalition against Tinubu and the APC even before the official start of electioneering, they are quick to label defections to the APC as the result of coercion without any proof.
Freedom of association, speech, and choice are core democratic values. Democracy is endangered only when individuals are denied these rights. Politicians and citizens freely choosing their affiliations or expressing support for President Tinubu is a testament to a thriving democracy.
It is highly hypocritical for opposition figures and so-called human rights defenders to hope for the APC’s collapse for their own political gain, yet cry foul when the opposite occurs.
Democracy is not threatened when politicians exercise their right to change political allegiance.
Those joining the APC and supporting President Tinubu do so willingly, believing in the reforms being implemented for the nation’s benefit.
Delegitimizing the choices of Nigerians who support Tinubu while validating others who oppose him is a disservice to democracy.”
The statement emphasized that under President Tinubu, democracy remains strong and Nigeria’s multiparty system continues to thrive.
“President Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to strengthening the democratic structures that have supported the Fourth Republic since 1999. Party defections are not unique to Nigeria and occur even in more developed democracies.
President Tinubu and the APC National Working Committee, led by Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, deserve recognition for making the party attractive and welcoming to Nigerians who wish to participate in the democratic process.
As a tested democrat, Tinubu’s role in galvanizing opposition forces that unseated a sitting president attests to his deep commitment to multiparty democracy,” the statement added.
It concluded by urging all Nigerians to defend democracy by respecting political choices and ignoring alarmists who spread baseless narratives.
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