ADP warns Nigerians, Tinubu “not sincere” about not wanting to impose a one-party state, cites his contradictory actions

ADP warns Nigerians, Tinubu “not sincere” about not wanting to impose a one-party state, amid sabotage of opposition parties and electoral system

By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor

Bola Tinubu is being “economical with the truth” for denying his intention to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has warned citizens, citing how the President’s Democracy Day speech contradicts his actions.

ADP National Chairman Yabagi Sani described Tinubu’s speech as insincere, liking it to a bizarre court testimony where a suspect admits to dismembering a victim but denies killing him.

“Bola Tinubu is dismembering the political space and claiming he is not killing it. His rhetoric does not align with his actions,” he said.

Tinubu, in his address to the National Assembly to mark Democracy Day on June 12, dismissed concerns over the defection of opposition politicians to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he does not support a one-party state.

But he expressed pleasure at the dysfunction in opposition parties, gloating: “It is in order to witness you in such a disarray.”

Sani condemned Tinubu’s remarks because “as the leader of the nation, he should be a father to all, not someone who celebrates the collapse of the opposition.”

He alleged that Tinubu is overseeing a systematic capture of the state by positioning loyalists and business associates – primarily from his Yoruba ethnic group – in critical sectors like oil, finance, and national security.

“This concentration of power in the hands of a few is a grave threat to democracy.”

Sani accused Tinubu of suppressing multiparty democracy through manipulation, harassment, and marginalisation of opposition parties.

“We’re witnessing a silent but deliberate erosion of democratic space. This is not democracy; it is domination.´

Sani also criticised comments made by both Tinubu and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje which described defections from opposition parties as “jumping from a sinking ship” –  saying such remarks reflect “a disturbing disregard for democratic values.”

In his view, the ideals of June 12 and the legacy of Moshood Abiola are being undermined as “June 12 is more than a public holiday; it symbolises our resistance to tyranny and our yearning for people-driven governance.”

He questioned whether Nigeria has upheld the spirit of June 12, warning that political repression could push desperate citizens toward undemocratic alternatives.

“While we reject calls for military intervention, we must acknowledge the conditions that breed such thoughts – when people are denied real democratic choices.”

Sani urged Nigerians to defend democracy and hold leaders accountable, urging Tinubu to adopt an inclusive approach that respects opposition parties and strengthens democratic institutions.

“The 2023 general elections were a huge disappointment,” he added, citing voter turnout, electoral violence, and the failure of BVAS and IReV systems used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“This is not progress; it is sabotage. We cannot return to the dark days of June 12. Democracy without responsibility is reckless; governance without accountability is criminal.”

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