President Bola Tinubu has dismissed insinuations that his administration is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state, insisting that the All Progressives Congress remains a political platform open to all Nigerians, including members of opposition parties.

Speaking during a special joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday to mark Democracy Day, President Tinubu stressed that the APC is not afraid of internal or external competition and will continue to welcome defectors from other political parties.

“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door. 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,” Tinubu told lawmakers inside the chamber.

His remarks come amid growing concerns from opposition parties and critics, who have accused the ruling APC of attempting to stifle dissent and establish political dominance across the country.

But the President was unequivocal in rejecting such claims.

“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 jab at opposition parties battling internal crises.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s two-decade-long return to civilian rule, Tinubu said the country had made significant democratic gains since the dark days of military dictatorship. 

“I felt a sense of collective accomplishment when I realised how far we had come as a nation. 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,” he said.

He hailed the sacrifices of Nigeria’s pro-democracy heroes, particularly the late Chief Moshood Abiola, whose June 12, 1993 presidential victory was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

“Let me pay tribute to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, for reaching back into history to rectify a national misdeed,” Tinubu noted, referring to Buhari’s historic decision in 2018 to declare June 12 as Democracy Day and confer the highest national honour on Abiola.

He also honoured other martyrs of the democratic struggle.

“We must celebrate the courage of Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression. We remember the many civil rights activists, journalists, and politicians who were imprisoned, exiled, tossed aside, and beaten,” he said.

While addressing lawmakers, Tinubu emphasised the need for continued cooperation 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 stated.

He noted that nation-building is not a solo effort, and urged lawmakers to put the people first in their decisions and actions.

“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,” he said.