Former PDP Spokesperson Questions President’s Stance on Multiparty Democracy
Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has described President Bola Tinubu’s recent remarks denying plans to turn Nigeria into a one-party state as “strange” and unconvincing.
Ologbondiyan made the statement on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he responded to comments made by the president during his Thursday address to a joint session of the National Assembly.
President Tinubu had dismissed fears of a one-party state, stating:
“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 as a result of your panic, it rings in error.”
He also expressed satisfaction with the disunity among opposition parties, a comment that raised eyebrows.
Reacting, Ologbondiyan questioned the sincerity of Tinubu’s assurances, arguing that actions speak louder than words.
“We never expected Mr President to come to the public arena and admit he is behind the design to establish a one-party system,” Ologbondiyan said. “But neither did we expect such a casual dismissal of growing concerns.”
He further criticized Tinubu for failing to address long-standing issues surrounding electoral reforms and political party registration.
“Even in that speech, the president didn’t mention the need to reform the electoral process. Meanwhile, there are credible reports that new parties have fulfilled all registration requirements but are yet to be issued their certificates,” he said.
Ologbondiyan also pointed out that members of Tinubu’s own cabinet have publicly raised concerns about the lack of viable political alternatives.
“It is also strange that the president says he has no hand in any one-party plot, yet the actions of his administration and party structure suggest otherwise,” he added.
The former PDP spokesperson emphasized that democracy thrives on competition and warned against any move—intentional or otherwise—that weakens Nigeria’s multiparty system.
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