President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to consolidate their grip on power by clearing out the opposition, stating that there is nothing wrong with a one-party system in the current political climate.
Speaking at the APC National Summit held on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu responded to widespread criticism surrounding the wave of defections into the ruling party, describing the movement as a natural political realignment.
“I just need to tell those who say a one-party system is no good… You don’t blame a people bailing out of a sinking ship when they have no life jackets,” Tinubu said.
“I’m glad for what we have, and I’m expecting more to come. That is the game. Welcome to progress; sweep them clean.”
The President’s remarks come amid a growing exodus of top opposition figures into the APC. Just days ago, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his entire cabinet defected to the ruling party. Political insiders also suggest that Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno may be the next to jump ship.
The wave of defections has triggered concerns among democracy advocates and opposition leaders, who accuse the APC of engineering internal crises within rival parties to undermine Nigeria’s multi-party system.
Critics warn that the aggressive recruitment strategy could lead to de facto one-party rule, eroding political competition and weakening democratic institutions.
However, APC leaders have dismissed these concerns, arguing that the defections are a result of the party’s growing appeal and the effectiveness of the Tinubu administration’s policies.
With 2027 already on the political horizon, President Tinubu’s open endorsement of consolidating power further cements the APC’s intention to dominate Nigeria’s political landscape.
