Tinubu Mocks Opposition’s Woes In Democracy Day Speech.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took a sharp jab at Nigeria’s opposition parties during his Democracy Day address on 12 June 2025, declaring, “It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.” The provocative remark, delivered to a joint session of the National Assembly, targeted the internal crises plaguing parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to gain ground through defections.
Speaking at the National Assembly in Abuja, Tinubu addressed concerns raised by opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the PDP, who have accused the APC of pushing Nigeria towards a one-party state. The President dismissed these claims, asserting, “At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria.” He stressed that he has never attempted to manipulate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister opposition parties, adding, “We cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.”
Tinubu’s comments come amid a wave of high-profile defections to the APC, including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, alongside several federal legislators. In the House of Representatives, opposition parties have seen their numbers dwindle from 182 seats in 2023 to 150, strengthening the APC’s legislative dominance. The President welcomed these defectors, stating, “You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door,” drawing applause from APC lawmakers.
The President attributed the opposition’s struggles to their own internal failings, urging them to focus on reforming their processes rather than “conjuring up demons that do not exist.” He added, “For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so,” a remark that sparked mixed reactions, with APC supporters cheering while opposition lawmakers appeared visibly displeased.
Reflecting on his political history, Tinubu recalled his role as the last progressive governor standing in the South-West during the 2003 elections, when the then-ruling PDP sought to eliminate opposition. “In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling, not governing, Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are they now?” he quipped, reinforcing his opposition to one-party dominance. He credited the failure of those efforts to a “greater power” and the formation of the APC, which he said was born from the resistance to political overreach.
Despite the pointed mockery, Tinubu called for cooperation across party lines to drive economic and social development, citing his administration’s reforms, including tax exemptions for small businesses and infrastructure investments. “Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition salutary to the national well-being,” he said, urging unity to build a prosperous Nigeria.
The speech drew varied responses. APC supporters on X celebrated Tinubu’s remarks, with one user posting, “Shots fired! The President didn’t hold back.” However, critics, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who was present at the session, expressed concern that such rhetoric could undermine democratic consolidation. A group of 17 prominent Nigerians, including academics and activists, had earlier warned in April 2025 of a “calculated effort” to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations, a charge Tinubu’s comments sought to refute.
As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, Tinubu’s speech has reignited debates about the health of the country’s multi-party system. While the President’s assurance of rejecting a one-party state has reassured some, his gleeful jab at the opposition’s disarray has raised questions about political decorum and the path ahead for Nigeria’s democracy.
The event, attended by former Senate Presidents and top officials, also saw Tinubu honour pro-democracy heroes like Chief MKO Abiola and confer national honours on National Assembly leaders, underscoring the significance of the June 12 legacy. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Tinubu’s remarks signal a confident APC, but the opposition’s ability to regroup remains a critical factor for Nigeria’s democratic future.
