…APC governance now based on fear, obedience, control — Atiku claps back
…Stop remote governance, reconnect with the people — Obi
…As Abiola, Yar’Adua, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Soyinka, others bag national honours

By Sodiq Adelakun and Matthew Denis
President Bola Tinubu has dismissed suggestions that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is attempting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, insisting the ruling party remains open to all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.

Speaking during a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday to mark Democracy Day, Tinubu rejected claims that his administration is stifling opposition or seeking political uniformity. He assured lawmakers that defections into the APC are voluntary and not the result of coercion.

“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should shut the door. Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by scrutinising their internal structures rather than imagining threats that do not exist,” the President told legislators.

His remarks come amid rising concerns among opposition parties over increasing defections and political realignments, which they fear may undermine Nigeria’s multiparty system. Tinubu, however, dismissed such concerns as misplaced.

“I will not tell you to try your best to fix your house, and I will not assist you to do so either,” he added, taking a jab at parties grappling with internal crises.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the end of military rule in 1999, Tinubu said the country had made significant progress and that citizens had cause to be proud.

“I felt a deep sense of shared achievement when I considered how far we have come. Democracy has emerged from the ruins of military dictatorship to claim its place as the only acceptable system of governance for our determined and beloved people,” he said.

The President paid tribute to democracy icons, particularly the late Chief Moshood Abiola, whose 1993 presidential victory was annulled by the military. He also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Democracy Day and posthumously honouring Abiola.

“I must commend my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, for righting a historic wrong,” Tinubu said.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices of other democracy advocates such as Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were assassinated under military rule.

“We honour the bravery of Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, victims of military repression. We also remember the many activists, journalists, and politicians who faced imprisonment, exile, and abuse for standing up for democratic ideals,” he added.

Tinubu urged collaboration between the executive and legislature, stating that while disagreements are inevitable, unity is crucial to delivering good governance.

“Although we may not always see eye to eye, we must find common ground, because this is what democracy requires of us,” he said.

Closing his address, the President reaffirmed his belief in democracy as a collective endeavour, requiring perseverance and hope.

“Democracy is not flawless, but it is the best course we have chosen. We must walk this path together, sometimes with different views, but always with shared purpose,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, prominent opposition figures sharply criticised President Tinubu’s Democracy Day address, accusing his administration of betraying democratic principles and misusing state power to silence dissent.

Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, released a statement describing the current government as authoritarian and dismissive of public welfare.

“What we are witnessing is not governance; it is conquest,” Atiku declared.

“This administration represents a new low in our democratic history. State institutions have been weaponised, and policies are crafted not to uplift the people, but to instil fear and compliance.”

He alleged that the APC-led government was pursuing a strategy of domination, sidelining opponents and eroding civil liberties.

“The democratic promise that blossomed in 1999 is being dismantled in plain sight,” he warned.

Atiku also accused the administration of nepotism and institutional manipulation, pointing to controversial national infrastructure contracts and the renaming of public institutions.

“Contracts worth billions are awarded to allies and family members of the President. National institutions, once symbols of unity, are being renamed in his honour, as if Nigeria were private property,” he said.

“The men and women who died for our democracy did not do so for Nigerians to suffer under authoritarianism and economic hardship,” he added.

Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi echoed Atiku’s concerns, directly criticising Tinubu’s leadership style.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Obi said, “Nigerians are hungry, unemployed, and angry. It is no longer enough to lead from a distance while citizens suffer. We don’t need grand speeches; we need decisive action.”

He challenged Tinubu to abandon rhetoric and take meaningful steps to address the rising cost of living, insecurity, and growing discontent.

Also weighing in, Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) accused Tinubu of ignoring serious democratic violations, particularly in Rivers State.

“The President’s silence on the political turmoil in Rivers State is deafening. Democracy is not about public ceremonies. It is about respecting the rule of law and the people’s will. On that front, this government is falling short,” Dickson stated.

Tinubu, in his National Assembly remarks, had reiterated his opposition to a one-party system.

“To those who claim the APC seeks a one-party state, I give you my word: Nigeria will not go down that path,” he said. “If you examine my political background, you’ll find I would be the last person to support such a plan.”

Nevertheless, opposition figures remain unconvinced. Atiku accused the government of systematically silencing dissenting voices and called for a united front to restore democratic integrity.

“This is not just politics. It is a moral campaign, a fight to reclaim our democracy, our economy, and our dignity,” he said.

Despite the political backlash, Tinubu used the occasion to honour both living and late champions of democracy. Posthumous national honours were conferred on figures such as Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), and Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR). The Ogoni Nine, including Ken Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues, were also honoured and granted a presidential pardon.

Among the living, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka received the GCON, while others including Bishop Matthew Kukah, Dapo Olorunyomi, Nosa Igiebor, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Ayo Obe, and Dare Babarinsa were recognised for their contributions to democratic development.

Veteran journalist and publisher Sam Amuka Pemu was awarded the CON in honour of his decades-long service to journalism on the eve of his 90th birthday.

Legal activists and civil society figures such as Femi Falana (CON), Professor Olatunji Dare (CON), Felix Morka (CON), and Labaran Maku (OON) were also commended.

In his closing remarks, Tinubu pledged to uphold the principles of democratic freedom, civil dialogue, and dissent.

“Call me names, say what you will, I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so,” he said.

However, opposition leaders maintain that these words must be matched by action, urging the President to prioritise public accountability, economic justice, and the rule of law across all levels of government.