President Bola Tinubu has said he derives satisfaction from seeing opposition parties in disarray, emphasizing that it is not his responsibility to help them become more organized.
Speaking on Thursday during a State of the Nation address at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, held in commemoration of Democracy Day, Tinubu advised opposition parties to focus on fixing their internal issues rather than raising unfounded concerns.
“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,” he stated.
“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.”
The president also addressed concerns about Nigeria drifting toward a one-party system, following recent defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He firmly denied any such agenda.
“A one-party state is not in the offing. Nor should it ever be,” Tinubu said. “That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC.”
He welcomed new APC members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno, along with other National Assembly members.
Tinubu called for continued respect for Nigeria’s political diversity, stressing that healthy competition is essential to national progress.
“Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition beneficial to the national well-being by working across the political aisle whenever possible,” he added.
In a related announcement, President Tinubu conferred national honours on several prominent Nigerians, including the late Kudirat Abiola, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
He also revealed plans to grant presidential pardons under the prerogative of mercy.
“These national heroes will receive full pardons, along with others whose names will be announced later in consultation with the National Council of State,” Tinubu said.