President Bola Tinubu has called on opposition leaders in Nigeria to face their political realities and stop blaming him for their internal party crises. He dismissed claims of authoritarianism under his administration as baseless, asserting that Nigeria’s democracy remains strong and vibrant.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, titled “Democracy Strong and Alive in Nigeria, Ignore Alarmists,” Tinubu addressed the recent wave of party defections, noting that such political shifts are normal even in mature democracies.

Responding to criticisms over the defections of figures like Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and former PDP vice presidential candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC, Tinubu stressed that freedom of association is a core element of democracy.

“We find it disturbing that opposition elements, heartbroken over the failure of their fabled grand coalition, are peddling false claims that democracy is under threat,” the statement read. “Democracy is not being dismantled, nor are we creating a one-party state.”

Tinubu questioned the double standards of celebrating Nasir El-Rufai’s reported move to the SDP while criticizing defections to the APC. He accused opposition figures of hypocrisy and said their cries were rooted in frustration over their inability to manage their parties effectively.

“The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the governing APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs,” the statement said.

Reaffirming his commitment to multiparty democracy, Tinubu’s team highlighted his history of strengthening opposition platforms, including efforts that once unseated a sitting president.

The Presidency urged Nigerians to ignore alarmist narratives and focus on respecting political choices, reaffirming that political freedom and democracy are well-protected under Tinubu’s leadership.