…says no plan for one party state
… lists achievements from reforms
President Bola Tinubu has warned members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to avoid placing individual interests above the collective good of the party and country.
The President, who reiterated that the ruling party had no plan to annihilate the opposition and turn the country into a one-party state, said this on Friday at the Eagle Square venue of the 4th elective National Convention of the APC.
The President said the policies and reforms introduced by his administration, though tough, have begun to yield positive results.
He said, “All the departed members and those of us still alive bearing the torch did not build this party for division and selfishness. Together, we have the duty to ensure that the vision of our founding fathers is not diminished. We must deepen it.
Let me say this clearly and sincerely: Our greatest strength has never been in our size or numbers, but our unity. Political parties do not fail only through electoral defeats. Often, they falter when ego overrides ideology or when ambition replaces discipline.
“They fail when individual interests threaten the collective good. We must guard against those tendencies at all costs.
“Therefore, this Convention must send one clear message to Nigerians and the world: Our party is strong, united, focused and ready for the future.
We must also remind ourselves that this party is not merely a vehicle specially built to carry ambitious politicians to electoral victories.
“It was founded as a vehicle for national transformation, a home for anybody who wants to build a Nigeria where governance works, institutions function, opportunities abound, security reigns, poverty declines, and every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region or social status, can live with dignity and hope.”
Responding to allegations that the President was working towards a one-party state, with most opposition elements dumping their platforms for the APC, and frequent criticisms against the newly amended Electoral Act, the President said, “Let me reiterate, especially to those who often lament and misunderstand us: we do not seek a one-party state. Democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition.
“As a statesman and political leader, I believe in a credible opposition—one that can challenge, question and help refine policies. That is how statecraft improves, and good governance is achieved. That is how nations advance.
“While we welcome criticism, the constant attacks by opposition groups on the Electoral Act 2026 are a disservice to the Nigerian people. It is public knowledge that the processes leading to the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act passed through the crucible of legislative scrutiny, including public hearings.
“The Electoral Act was passed by the National Assembly, elected by the Nigerian people in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.
“The Act reflects our collective quest as a nation to strengthen our electoral system and consolidate democratic rule. Therefore, our commitment is to uphold the rule of law, conduct credible elections and protect the integrity of our elections, and continue building a stronger, secure, and united nation.
When Nigerians reaffirmed our leadership of the country as the governing party in 2023, we made a solemn promise to chart a new course for national renewal through the Renewed Hope Agenda. That agenda was not conceived as just another campaign slogan. It was conceived as a governing philosophy.”
Tinubu at the convention equally reeled out the achievements so far recorded by his administration, saying: “We knew the road to reform would be tough. We knew rebuilding Nigeria would require courage, patience, and difficult decisions.
“But we also knew: no nation rises by hiding from the truth. No economy grows by sustaining wasteful subsidies or dysfunctional priorities. No future is built on perpetual self-denial.
