President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will never slide into a one-party state under his administration. The President made this declaration on Thursday while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, as part of activities marking Democracy Day 2025.
Speaking before the lawmakers, President Tinubu addressed growing concerns from opposition parties about the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly aiming to dominate the political space. He described such claims as false alarms driven by panic.
“To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise… Nigeria will not become such a state now,” the President declared.
He emphasized that his political history, dating back to 2003 when he stood as the only progressive governor in the South-West, affirms his strong belief in political pluralism.
President Tinubu paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Democracy Day and posthumously honouring Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, as the winners of the annulled June 12, 1993 elections.
While honouring the heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, including Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Anthony Enahoro, and others, the President reminded lawmakers and citizens that democracy must be defended daily.
“Year by year, election after election, every time we debate instead of battle, discuss instead of fight, and argue instead of destroy, we preserve the institutions of democracy,” he said.
On the economy, Tinubu highlighted significant achievements under his administration, including a GDP growth of 3.4% in 2024, a stabilizing exchange rate, improved food inflation metrics, and rising foreign reserves. He also mentioned youth-focused programmes such as NELFUND, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), and a soon-to-be-launched youth credit initiative targeting 400,000 young Nigerians.
“Our medium-term growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 per cent clip with a stronger manufacturing base,” he said, calling on the legislature to support further reforms that will encourage industrial growth and food security.
The President ended with a call for unity and collaboration across party lines in building a prosperous Nigeria:
“We must be vigilant in expanding political and economic democracy. I pledge myself to this cooperation and ask that you do the same for the good of our people.”
President Tinubu’s address marked a solemn moment of reflection on the nation’s democratic journey and a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to uphold the values of freedom, justice, and development.
