President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a swipe at opposition parties, describing their internal divisions as a source of amusement.
Speaking on Thursday, June 12, during a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Democracy Day, Tinubu welcomed recent defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“A one-party state is neither imminent nor desirable,” Tinubu said. “However, it would be political malpractice to shut the door on those from other parties who now wish to join the APC. I warmly welcome our newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno, along with other members of this National Assembly.”
He urged political parties to reflect on their internal issues rather than blame external factors for defections.
“Parties worried about losing members should take a hard look at their internal processes rather than conjure imaginary threats. My advice: put your house in order. I will not help you do that,” Tinubu added. “It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.”
The president emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on political diversity and healthy competition.
“We must welcome the diversity of our political parties just as we embrace the diversity of our people. Our goal should never be to eliminate competition, but to make it beneficial to national development by fostering collaboration across party lines.”
