By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would continue to welcome members of the opposition who choose to join its fold, adding that it is not the party’s responsibility to resolve internal crises in rival political camps.
Speaking at a joint session of the National Assembly to mark Democracy Day, the President said opposition parties should focus on fixing their internal issues rather than blaming defections on external influence.
“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist,” Tinubu said.
The President was greeted with applause from APC lawmakers as he added, “I will not say, ‘Try your best to put your house in order.’ I will not help you to do so either. It is indeed a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.”
However, Tinubu clarified that the administration is not working towards a one-party state and insisted that the APC would not reject those willing to cross party lines.
“A one-party state is not in the offing, nor should it ever be,” he said. “That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC.”
He acknowledged new defectors to the APC, including figures from Delta and Akwa Ibom states, such as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno, as well as other lawmakers.
“We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we embrace the diversity of our population,” Tinubu stated. “Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition salutary to the national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible.”
Tinubu’s remarks come amid growing realignments within Nigeria’s political landscape, with several opposition figures switching allegiance ahead of the next electoral cycle.
