The Presidency, on Sunday, lashed out at opposition parties over recent defections of key figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), telling them to “stop whining” but rather fix their internal problems.
Reacting to claims by opposition elements and some human rights activists that democracy was under threat and that Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the allegations as baseless and a product of political frustration.
In a statement titled “Democracy Strong and Alive in Nigeria; Ignore Alarmists,” Onanuga said the defections, including those of Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, former vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno’s open support for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection, had thrown the opposition into disarray.
“The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the governing APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs,” he said. “It is certainly not part of President Tinubu’s job to organise or strengthen opposition parties.”
Onanuga noted that while politicians had the right to freely associate and switch affiliations in a democracy, opposition figures who failed to hold their parties together were now crying foul and raising unfounded allegations of blackmail, bribery, and coercion.
He slammed the critics for hypocrisy, pointing out that they celebrated the defection of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) without raising concerns about democracy.
“Those who openly cobbled anti-Tinubu coalitions along dangerous regional lines are now shedding crocodile tears about a so-called drift to a one-party state,” the statement added.
The Presidency insisted that democracy remains strong under Tinubu’s leadership, noting that freedom of speech, association, and choice were flourishing.
Onanuga also praised the APC leadership under Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, saying the party had become attractive to Nigerians who believe in Tinubu’s reforms aimed at securing the future of the country.
“President Tinubu is an avowed democrat and a firm believer in multiparty democracy,” he said. “His political activism and democratic credentials are beyond question.”
The Presidency urged Nigerians to disregard alarmists and continue to support the current administration in safeguarding democracy.
