MONDAY April 28, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
The Presidency has responded to growing criticism from opposition figures, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), regarding the recent defections of key political figures to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Sunday, the government dismissed claims that these political shifts posed a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. Instead, it argued that the defections are indicative of the strength and dynamism of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The statement, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, referred to the defection of prominent figures, including Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and former PDP vice-presidential candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as evidence of the fluid and evolving nature of Nigerian politics.
“The dramatic realignment caused by Governor Umo Eno’s declaration of support for President Bola Tinubu, the departure of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from the PDP, and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s shift from the PDP, alongside other key political figures from Delta and Rivers States, has certainly thrown the opposition into disarray,” the statement noted.
The Presidency rejected accusations that the defections signified an erosion of democratic principles, asserting that no policy, official action, or directive from the President’s office sought to undermine democracy, weaken the opposition, or foster a one-party state.
“Contrary to the unfounded claims circulating in both mainstream and social media, democracy in Nigeria is not under threat. Accusations that this administration is steering the country towards authoritarianism are baseless and exaggerated,” the statement continued.
Responding to allegations of bribery, blackmail, and the manipulation of state institutions to facilitate these defections, the government categorically denied these charges, calling them groundless. It suggested that such claims stemmed from the opposition’s own internal weaknesses.
“The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu or the APC for their disorganisation, lack of discipline, and failure to effectively manage their party. It is not the President’s responsibility to organise or strengthen opposition parties,” the statement stated.
The Presidency also took issue with the perceived hypocrisy of opposition leaders, pointing out their silence when similar political shifts occurred in the past.
“It is ironic that those who celebrated the defection of former Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the formation of a regional coalition aimed at defeating President Tinubu in the 2027 elections are the same individuals now expressing concern over a supposed drift towards a one-party state,” the statement added.
Defending the principles of freedom of association and political expression, the Presidency reiterated that these are core values of Nigerian democracy.
“Freedom of association, speech, and choice are fundamental tenets of democracy, and there is no ambiguity in our commitment to these ideals,” the statement asserted.
The government also criticised opposition leaders for portraying the defections as manipulative or coercive, labelling it as hypocrisy.
“It is deeply hypocritical when opposition politicians and their allies in the so-called ‘human rights’ movement wish for the implosion of the President’s party for their own electoral gain, yet cry foul when their wish does not come to fruition,” the statement said.
In closing, the government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a robust multiparty democracy under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, emphasising that political party realignments are a common feature in democratic systems worldwide.
“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria’s democracy remains strong, and the multiparty system will continue to thrive,” the statement concluded.
The Presidency called on all Nigerians to respect the democratic choices of others and to unite in preserving the country’s democratic integrity.
