President Bola Tinubu on Friday urged opposition parties to "put their houses in order" ahead of the 2027 elections, dismissing claims that his administration seeks a one-party state. Speaking during the commissioning of the Apo-Wasa road in Abuja, Tinubu stated he couldn't mediate opposition crises while reaffirming his Democracy Day commitment to multiparty democracy. The comment comes amid ongoing leadership struggles in major opposition parties, including the PDP, LP, and NNPP.
• Direct challenge: Tinubu framed opposition disarray as self-inflicted rather than orchestrated by the APC
• Democracy pledge: Repeated commitment to multiparty system despite opposition suspicions
• Strategic timing: Remarks made during infrastructure project launch, blending governance with political messaging
When a leader advises rivals to fix their problems, is it statesmanship or strategy? Tinubu's comments reveal the delicate dance of Nigerian democracy, where the ruling party's strength is measured against the opposition's weakness. The president's infrastructure podium became an unlikely political stage, showcasing how governance and party politics remain inseparable. With opposition parties fragmented by internal crises, Tinubu's words serve both as a warning and an opportunity: Will 2027 be decided by the APC's merits or the opposition's failures?
• Can Nigerian democracy truly thrive without a strong opposition?
• How might opposition parties reorganize to present a credible 2027 challenge?
Sources: Presidency statements, Opposition party reactions
