Saraki Backs Tinubu on Multi-Party Democracy, Says Opposition Must Get Its House in Order

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed agreement with President Bola Tinubu’s recent statement rejecting claims that his administration is working toward establishing a one-party state in Nigeria.

Saraki made the remarks on Thursday while speaking to journalists at the National Assembly, shortly after Tinubu addressed lawmakers during a joint sitting.

The President had earlier dispelled concerns about Nigeria tilting toward a one-party system, amid a wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Critics have accused the Tinubu-led administration of benefiting from internal crises within the opposition to consolidate power.

Addressing the National Assembly, Tinubu denied any such intention.

“To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be a result of your panic, it rings in error,” the President stated.

He added, however, that he was pleased with the current disarray among opposition parties, saying he had no intention of helping them resolve their issues.

Reacting to the statement, Saraki, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), welcomed Tinubu’s remarks and said they reflect a shared commitment to multi-party democracy.

“We must take him at his word. He spoke well, saying he is not for a one-party state. So we are all on the same page,” Saraki said.

He also dismissed claims that PDP members are being pressured to defect, saying the opposition must take responsibility for its own internal cohesion.

“We in the PDP buy into this, and that’s why we are going around bringing everybody together. People saying there is pressure—there’s no pressure on anybody,” he said.

“We are all for multi-party democracy, and everybody should go and get their house in order. As he said, he’s not going to help us, so we’re going to sort our own house and get it in order.”