President Tinubu Says He Enjoys Seeing Opposition in ‘Disarray’

Abuja, Nigeria – Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has stated he takes “pleasure” in the current disarray within opposition parties and has no intention of assisting them in organising themselves.

Speaking at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday, marking Democracy Day, President Tinubu addressed recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and dismissed claims that his administration is moving Nigeria towards a one-party state.

“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,” President Tinubu told lawmakers. “For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.”

Despite his comments, Mr. Tinubu rejected the notion of a looming one-party system. “A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be,” he asserted. He added that it would be “political malpractice” to refuse entry to members from other parties now seeking to join the APC, specifically welcoming new members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno.

The President emphasised the importance of political diversity. “We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we welcome and embrace the diversity of our population,” he said. “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.”

In a separate announcement during his address, President Tinubu also declared national honours for several prominent Nigerians. These include the late Kudirat Abiola, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.

“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State,” the President confirmed.