President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday criticised opposition parties for deliberately misrepresenting the Electoral Act for political advantage, insisting that such attacks undermine Nigeria’s democratic development.
Speaking at the 4th Elective National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, Tinubu said that while constructive criticism is welcome, the persistent mischaracterisation of the Electoral Act 2026 by opposition groups was “a disservice to the Nigerian people.”
He emphasised that the legislation emerged from a rigorous legislative process involving public participation and scrutiny, noting that the law was passed by the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution.
“Portraying the law as anti-democratic ignores the safeguards built into the process and risks eroding public confidence in our electoral system,” the President said, adding that the Act represents a collective national effort to strengthen electoral processes and should not be reduced to a tool for partisan rhetoric.
Addressing concerns about political dominance and defections to the ruling party, Tinubu dismissed claims that the APC seeks to establish a one-party state.
“We do not seek a one-party state,” he said, stressing that democracy thrives on a credible and vibrant opposition that challenges, questions, and refines policies.
The President also warned against internal divisions within the APC, stressing that political parties often fail not because of electoral defeat but due to ego, ambition, and misplaced priorities.
“Political parties falter when individual interests threaten the collective good. We must guard against those tendencies at all costs,” he said, urging delegates to conduct themselves with discipline and unity throughout the convention.
Tinubu further defended his administration’s economic reforms, acknowledging their difficulty while insisting they were essential for national stability and long-term prosperity.
He cited declining inflation, rising business confidence, improvements in the stock market, trade surpluses, and Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as evidence that the reforms were producing results.
“We are moving from survival mode to stability and steadily towards an era of prosperity,” he said.
At the convention, APC leaders also praised the President’s leadership and reforms. Aminu Masari, Chairman of the APC National Convention Coordinating Committee, described the gathering as a historic moment to reaffirm the party’s values and chart its path forward, while Minister of Finance Wale Edun said Tinubu’s bold actions were stabilising the economy and addressing long-standing structural challenges.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, speaking for the Progressive Governors Forum, commended the President for providing clearer direction and stronger reform logic, pledging continued cooperation to advance social protection, infrastructure development, economic opportunity, and national unity.
Tinubu’s remarks come amid growing political tension and heightened scrutiny of the APC’s expanding influence, as the party now controls the presidency, a majority in the National Assembly, and most state governments.
Despite critics warning that defections could weaken democratic checks, the President framed the party’s growing membership as evidence of Nigerians’ trust in its vision and leadership, while cautioning that unity and discipline, not numbers alone, are the true foundation of sustainable governance.
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