President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has denied that the ruling party wants to create a one-party state.
Speaking at the national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Eagle Square, Abuja, the president expressed his belief in a legitimate opposition that can question, challenge, and improve government policies.
Tinubu expressed hope that more politicians would join the APC, acknowledging the party’s notable rise due to defections.
“Let me reiterate, especially to those who frequently lament and misunderstand us: we do not seek a one-party state,” he declared. Competition that is healthy and alive is essential to democracy. As a political leader and statesman, I support a legitimate opposition that is capable of questioning, challenging, and improving policies. That’s how excellent administration is attained and statecraft advances. Nations progress in this way.
“Through credible leadership and transparent party management, anchored in a reliable, verifiable database of our members nationwide,” he tasked new party officers with maintaining the vast political apparatus.
The APC’s biggest strength, he continued, has never been “our size or numbers, but our unity.”
“Electoral losses are not the only way that political parties fail. When ambition takes the place of discipline or ego outweighs doctrine, they frequently falter. When personal interests jeopardize the welfare of the group, they fail. We have to do everything in our power to prevent those tendencies.
As a result, this Convention must convey to Nigerians and the rest of the world that our party is powerful, cohesive, focused, and prepared for the future.
Additionally, we need to keep in mind that this party is more than just a tool designed to help ambitious politicians win elections. It was established as a means of bringing about national change and as a place for anyone who aspires to create a Nigeria in which all Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, geography, or social standing, can live with dignity and hope, institutions run smoothly, opportunities abound, security rules, and poverty decreases.
