During his Democracy Day speech, President Tinubu said he won’t intervene in the collapse of opposition parties, calling it “a pleasure” to witness their disarray. He rejected the idea of a one-party state while embracing APC defections.
- Tinubu addressed a joint National Assembly session on June 12, 2025
- Said it’s “a pleasure” watching opposition parties struggle
- Rejected fears of one-party rule, saying APC welcomes defectors
- Criticised the opposition for “conjuring up demons” instead of self-reflection
- Welcomed lawmakers from Delta and Akwa Ibom into the APC
President Tinubu’s comments reveal the political confidence of an incumbent who sees opposition weakness as confirmation of his strength. But while rejecting a one-party system, he also appeared to mock multiparty fragility. It’s a delicate dance between celebrating growth and appearing overly dominant. For democracy to thrive, strength must coexist with space for dissent.
Tinubu says he’ll welcome defectors but won’t offer rescue. His words highlight the thin line between democratic competition and political consolidation.
