President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed allegations that his administration is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state, saying he cannot fault politicians who choose to defect from struggling opposition parties.
Tinubu spoke on Wednesday night during an interfaith breaking of fast with senators in Aso Villa, Abuja.
“I can’t blame anybody for jumping out of a sinking ship,” the president said, referring to recent defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Rejects Allegation of Crushing Opposition
The president pushed back against claims that he is weakening opposition politics.
“Whatever they call you, any name, any nickname, critics must talk. When they accused me of killing opposition, I didn’t have a gun. I could have given myself a licence when I have the authority,” he said.
Tinubu argued that defections are voluntary decisions taken by politicians, not the result of coercion. He maintained that Nigeria’s democracy remains intact and that political competition is still open.
He added that the country needs cooperation across party lines, especially at a time of national strain.
“We should pull together and unite in a way that our forefathers contemplated to bring about a constitutional democracy,” he said.
Pushes for Constitutional Reform, State Police
Turning to security, Tinubu said Nigeria continues to battle terrorism, banditry and insurgency, stressing that lawmakers must strengthen the country’s legal framework to respond effectively.
He urged the national assembly to begin work on amending the constitution to allow the creation of state police.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency, but you have never failed to make the right response to these concerns. What I will ask for tonight is for you to start thinking of how best to amend the constitution to incorporate state police for us to secure our country,” he told the senators.
The proposal for state police has long divided opinion. Supporters say decentralised policing will improve intelligence gathering and rapid response. Critics warn it could expose security structures to political misuse at the state level.
