The presidency has dismissed claims that recent defections of opposition figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were forced, insisting the moves were made voluntarily and in line with democratic rights.
In a statement released Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, rejected suggestions that Nigeria is sliding into a one-party state, stressing that democracy allows for freedom of association.
“Those joining the APC and expressing support for President Tinubu are doing so willingly, motivated by confidence in the administration’s reforms and their long-term benefits,” Onanuga stated.
The remarks follow the high-profile defection last week of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was also the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in 2023, and other senior officials. Their exit dealt another blow to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), already weakened by internal rifts.
Onanuga dismissed allegations that the ruling party is behind the crises in rival parties, including the Labour Party and the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), calling such claims baseless.
He criticized what he called a double standard among critics who applauded former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai’s reported move to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) but now decry defections to the APC as signs of authoritarianism.
“Democracy is not undermined by politicians choosing which party to support. It is strengthened when citizens are free to express their views and align with any political platform of their choice,” the statement said.
Onanuga also defended the Tinubu administration’s record on democratic values, arguing that critics enjoy the freedom to challenge the government because Nigeria practices a robust democracy.
He further praised President Tinubu and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje for strengthening the party and making it an attractive platform.
“President Tinubu’s legacy as a lifelong democrat is well established. His role in building opposition coalitions that unseated a sitting president in 2015 speaks volumes about his commitment to multiparty democracy,” Onanuga added.
He urged Nigerians to respect political choices and avoid amplifying what he described as “fictional narratives” aimed at discrediting the democratic process.
