‘It’s a pleasure to see you in disarray,’ President Tinubu mocks PDP, LP

DDM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has openly mocked Nigeria’s leading opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), over what he described as their internal disarray.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the president made the remarks during a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 12, to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.

Tinubu, who also used the occasion to welcome new defectors into the All Progressives Congress (APC), took a swipe at opposition leaders, urging them to fix their own internal problems instead of blaming external forces.

“A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be,” Tinubu stated in his address to lawmakers.

“However, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties now seeking to join the APC.”

The president specifically acknowledged and welcomed defectors from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno, along with other members of the National Assembly.

In a tone laced with sarcasm, Tinubu challenged opposition parties to look inward and address their internal shortcomings.

“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs,” he said.

He added, “Rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist, 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.”

The president also emphasized the importance of political plurality, stressing that his administration does not aim to eliminate competition.

“We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we embrace the diversity of our population,” Tinubu noted.

He maintained that the goal of political rivalry should be to advance national interests, not to sow division.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu’s comments have sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum, with some praising his candor and others accusing him of inflaming partisan tensions.

Critics say the president’s remarks reflect a growing arrogance within the ruling party, especially amid defections that have strengthened its national dominance.

Observers note that the PDP and LP have both struggled in recent months with internal crises, ranging from leadership disputes to ideological rifts and legal battles.

Political analysts believe Tinubu’s jabs are part of a broader strategy to consolidate APC’s influence ahead of future elections.

The Labour Party, still recovering from post-election fallout and internal court cases, has yet to issue a formal response to the president’s remarks.

The PDP, battling factional disputes in several states, has also remained silent as of press time.

Tinubu’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s democratic institutions face growing scrutiny over issues of inclusion, credibility, and voter trust.

Some civil society groups warn that gloating over opposition weakness may harm public confidence in political fairness and electoral competition.

Meanwhile, APC supporters have welcomed the president’s address, hailing it as a display of strategic leadership and political momentum.

The coming weeks may reveal whether Tinubu’s comments were mere political banter or part of a deeper realignment within Nigeria’s party system.

As the 2027 elections inch closer, all eyes will remain on how the opposition responds to growing defections and the challenges of internal reform.

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