The Presidency has dismissed claims that democracy is under threat in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s democratic institutions remain strong and resilient under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Responding to criticisms from opposition figures and some civil society groups over recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the allegations of a move toward authoritarianism were baseless and exaggerated.
The defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and other political figures to the APC, Onanuga noted, has unsettled the opposition, prompting false narratives about Nigeria’s political direction.
“There is no policy, directive, or action by President Tinubu or the Presidency aimed at dismantling democracy or weakening opposition parties,” Onanuga said, stressing that the accusations of bribery, blackmail, and coercion exist only in the “idle minds” of failed opposition politicians.
He further argued that the freedom of association, speech, and political choice — hallmarks of democracy — remain firmly protected. “Nigerians migrating to the APC are doing so out of free will, based on faith in the reforms being pursued by the administration,” he added.
Onanuga pointed out that party-switching by politicians is a normal occurrence even in advanced democracies and that efforts by Tinubu and the APC leadership to strengthen the party should be commended, not vilified.
Highlighting President Tinubu’s historic role in galvanising opposition forces that once unseated a sitting government, the Presidency reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to a multiparty system and the democratic foundations established since 1999.
“Nigeria’s democracy is alive, strong, and will continue to flourish,” Onanuga concluded, urging citizens to respect political choices and reject alarmist narratives.
