President Tinubu has taunted the opposition during his demoracy day speech at joint NASS.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stirred controversy on Thursday during his Democracy Day address at the National Assembly, openly mocking Nigeria’s major opposition parties for their internal divisions and wave of defections.
Speaking before lawmakers and dignitaries at the joint session marking the national celebration, Tinubu welcomed recent defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the ruling party “remains open to all.”
“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door,” Tinubu declared, triggering cheers from APC lawmakers.
The president then added with a smirk, “It is indeed a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” a thinly veiled jab at the turmoil currently besetting the PDP and LP.
‘Look Inward Instead of Blaming Demons’
Tinubu did not hold back in ridiculing the opposition’s internal struggles, suggesting that rather than panicking over defections, the parties should reassess their own structures.
“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs,” he said, “rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist.”
In a more pointed remark, Tinubu said bluntly:
“I will not help you put your house in order — nor will I advise you to try your best.”
The president’s comments drew laughter and applause from the ruling party’s lawmakers, while members of the opposition appeared visibly unamused.
Context: Growing Wave of Defections
Tinubu’s remarks come amid a steady trickle of defections from opposition ranks, with several prominent politicians citing dissatisfaction with party leadership and internal wrangling. The trend has bolstered APC’s numerical strength at both state and national levels, fueling speculation of a further weakened opposition landscape heading into future elections.
While President Tinubu has, in past statements, acknowledged the importance of a vibrant opposition to a functional democracy, his tone on Thursday signaled little patience — and even less sympathy — for political adversaries struggling with cohesion.
Political Undercurrents on Democracy Day
Tinubu’s sharp-tongued comments have already sparked reactions on social media and among political analysts, some of whom see the president’s remarks as undermining the spirit of national unity typically associated with Democracy Day.
As opposition parties scramble to regroup, the president’s taunts may serve as both a provocation and a warning — that in Nigeria’s turbulent political arena, even symbolic celebrations are fair ground for partisan battles.