Tinubu urges APC to sweep opposition, establish one-party rule

DDM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to wipe out the opposition and tighten its political grip across Nigeria.

In remarks delivered during the APC summit at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall in Abuja, Tinubu openly endorsed a one-party system.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the President dismissed concerns about growing defections to the APC, describing the trend as a sign of progress.

“I just need to tell those who say a one-party system is no good… You don’t blame a people bailing out of a sinking ship when they have no life jackets,” Tinubu said.

He added, “I’m glad for what we have, and I’m expecting more to come. That is the game. Welcome to progress; sweep them clean.”

The President’s comments have reignited fears over Nigeria’s democratic stability as the ruling party continues to absorb high-profile opposition figures.

Just days ago, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his full cabinet, defected to the APC in a widely publicized move.

Sources also indicate that Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno is expected to join the ruling party in the coming days.

Critics argue that the APC is orchestrating internal turmoil within rival parties to trigger defections and dismantle the opposition.

They warn that these tactics could effectively establish a one-party state, eroding the democratic principle of political competition.

Civil society groups and political observers are now calling for constitutional safeguards to prevent what they describe as “creeping authoritarianism.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the President’s comments, warning that “democracy dies when opposition voices are silenced.”

Others view the President’s statement as a dangerous attempt to normalize the erosion of multi-party politics in Nigeria.

“This is not about party supremacy; it is about Nigeria’s survival as a democracy,” one Abuja-based analyst told DDM.

Legal experts suggest that mass defections raise constitutional questions about the mandates given by voters to opposition candidates.

They argue that politicians elected on one party’s platform but defecting without resigning from office violate the spirit of democratic representation.

Some observers believe the APC’s growing dominance is fueled by patronage, coercion, and the exploitation of state resources.

They point to the alleged use of federal agencies to pressure governors and lawmakers into joining the ruling party.

Meanwhile, Tinubu’s supporters claim the defections are voluntary and reflect confidence in the President’s leadership.

They insist the opposition has failed to offer credible alternatives, thereby losing the trust of the Nigerian people.

Analysts also highlight the ruling party’s control of key institutions like the National Assembly and judiciary as a major advantage.

This control has raised concerns about the ability of the opposition to challenge policies, appointments, or budgetary decisions.

International observers are also beginning to take notice of what appears to be a steady march toward one-party hegemony.

Human Rights Watch recently warned that the political imbalance could weaken accountability and breed impunity at all levels of governance.

The European Union Election Observation Mission had earlier recommended reforms to address structural imbalances in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Tinubu’s endorsement of a one-party structure starkly contrasts with earlier promises to foster inclusive governance and national unity.

Some civil society leaders are calling for constitutional amendments to enforce party fidelity and discourage opportunistic defections.

Others are demanding stronger institutions that can withstand executive overreach and preserve Nigeria’s democratic framework.

The PDP and Labour Party have both vowed to resist any moves that would further weaken Nigeria’s democratic plurality.

They are urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to act decisively against what they call “political vandalism.”

As the 2027 general elections approach, fears are mounting that Nigeria may be heading into a critical era of diminished democratic choice.

While Tinubu’s “sweep them clean” mantra may energize the APC base, many Nigerians worry that democracy may be the biggest casualty.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue monitoring the political landscape as events unfold.

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