APC Open to All Nigerians, Not a One-Party State – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed growing claims that his administration is steering Nigeria toward a one-party system, asserting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains a political platform open to all Nigerians, regardless of their current affiliations.

Speaking during a special joint session of the National Assembly to mark Democracy Day, Tinubu stressed that the APC is not threatened by political competition and will continue to welcome new members, including those from opposition parties.

“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door,” the President declared. “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.”

His comments come amid concerns raised by opposition figures and critics who have accused the APC-led government of attempting to weaken opposition parties and consolidate power across all tiers of governance.

Tinubu, however, rejected the allegations, taking a swipe at opposition parties battling internal turmoil.
“I will not say, try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you to do so, either,” he added, in a pointed remark aimed at the fractured state of many rival parties.

Reflecting on the country’s democratic progress since the end of military rule, the President said Nigeria had come a long way in entrenching democratic values.
“Democracy has risen from the ashes of military rule to reclaim its rightful place as the only acceptable form of governance for our resilient and beloved people,” Tinubu noted. “I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we had come as a nation.”

He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Nigeria’s pro-democracy icons, including Chief Moshood Abiola, whose June 12, 1993 presidential mandate was annulled, and praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for declaring June 12 as Democracy Day in 2018.
“Let me pay tribute to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed,” Tinubu said.

He also honoured the memories of Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, and several civil rights activists and journalists who were persecuted during the years of military repression.

Tinubu emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.
“While we may not always agree, we must forge a way to work together, because this is what democracy demands of us,” he said. “Democracy is not perfect, but it is the best path we have chosen. And we must walk it together—sometimes in disagreement, but always in hope.”