Former Rivers State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Magnus Abe, has rejected claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, insisting that recent political realignments reflect public confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership rather than democratic decline.
Abe said the growing wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should not be misinterpreted as a threat to plural democracy, stressing that Nigerians are simply rallying around a leader they trust.
“Nigeria is not becoming a one-party state. Rather, in Tinubu, Nigerians have found a leader they can trust,” Abe said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He also called on Nigerians to comply with the newly introduced tax reform law, urging citizens to support the federal government’s broader reform agenda aimed at economic recovery and growth.
The former lawmaker expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing him Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), describing the position as a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
According to Abe, the appointment reflects the President’s leadership style and ability to reward loyalty and competence. “My appointment demonstrates once again the President’s unique qualities that make him a master of the game. This is why thousands of people like me have followed him over the years, and millions more are still following,” he said. “You are a father who rewards loyalty and promotes competence. I will never stop following you.”
Turning to Rivers State politics, Abe praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing him as the “001 of the Tinubu political family in Rivers State.” He credited Wike with playing a decisive role in delivering the state to Tinubu and the APC during what he described as one of Nigeria’s most challenging elections.
Abe said Wike’s support has been central to the success of the Tinubu-led “Renewed Hope Family” coalition, urging critics to look beyond partisan attacks and focus on the long-term benefits of the ongoing reforms.
“Better days are coming for our country,” Abe added. “The President is doing things differently, and the numbers are beginning to show that Nigeria is on the right course.”
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