The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru, has rejected recent accusations from opposition leaders, asserting that their complaints stem from lost access to power and resources rather than concern for Nigerians’ welfare.
Basiru spoke on Friday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. His remarks came hours after Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.
Responding to a recent press conference by opposition leaders — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party — Basiru dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state under Tinubu’s leadership. He argued that critics were not motivated by public interest but by frustration over losing political privilege and access to state resources.
According to Basiru, recent economic improvements reflect the administration’s anti-corruption efforts. He cited an increase in foreign reserves from about $3 billion to $49 billion as evidence that financial leakages have been blocked. He also pointed to the removal of petroleum subsidies, describing former beneficiaries as part of the group now protesting the government’s policies.
Basiru maintained that economic indicators show progress, claiming the naira has strengthened and that food inflation has declined from roughly 35 percent to about 15 percent.
Addressing criticism of the Electoral Act 2026, Basiru described opponents as lacking credibility and accused them of ignorance regarding the legislative process. He argued that laws duly passed by the National Assembly should not be undermined by individuals without electoral mandates. He urged opposition figures to return to grassroots politics and rebuild their public support if they hope to remain viable.
With Fintiri’s defection, the APC now governs 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states, while the PDP controls three, and the Labour Party, Accord Party, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance each hold one state. Basiru described the development as evidence of the APC’s broad national appeal and Tinubu’s political strategy, noting that only one state in the North-East remains outside APC control.
Meanwhile, an opposition coalition comprising the PDP, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and civil society groups has warned that widespread defections threaten Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. At their earlier briefing, Atiku and Obi accused the Tinubu administration of using state institutions and security agencies to pressure opposition figures and influence judicial processes.
They also criticised provisions in the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that making real-time transmission of election results optional and mandating direct primaries could disadvantage smaller parties.
The Presidency has rejected these claims. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the allegations as unfounded and intended to mislead the public.
Basiru further stated that the APC successfully conducted its ward and local government congresses and is preparing for state congresses scheduled for Tuesday. Despite concerns about its growing dominance, the party insists that defections reflect genuine confidence in its policies and leadership rather than coercion.
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