President Bola Tinubu says it is erroneous for Nigerians to conclude that the ruling All Progressives Congress is working towards making the country a one-party state.
The President made the assertion as part of his Democracy Day Speech on Thursday, against the backdrop of mass defections that have assailed the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party, especially by public office holders such as governors and National Assembly members who had assumed office on its platform.
While President Bola Tinubu washed off his party’s hands in the mass defections happening in PDP without naming the party, he was quick to add that he would not blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship.
The President stated, “To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error.
“At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria. I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC.
“Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.
“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist.
“For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.
“Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible.”
