President Bola Tinubu denies forcing politicians to defect to APC, calling moves voluntary amid security and political challenges
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed claims that he is orchestrating defections from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting no coercion or pressure has been applied.
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Tinubu spoke on Wednesday during an interfaith Iftar with senators at the Presidential Villa.
Addressing critics, the President said politicians who defected did so of their own accord.
He likened the decisions to leaving a “sinking ship,” highlighting persistent national challenges such as terrorism and banditry as factors contributing to political realignments.
“Critics must talk. When they accused me of killing the opposition, I didn’t have a gun. I could have given myself a licence when I have the authority,” Tinubu said.
“But I can’t blame anybody for jumping out of a sinking ship if they did. What we have faced in the challenging period of this country, the terrorism and banditry, is causing us havoc.”
The President urged political leaders to prioritise unity in line with the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers, stressing that constitutional democracy should foster cooperation rather than conflict.
“We should pull together, unite in a way that our forefathers contemplated to bring about a constitutional democracy and pull us together. They didn’t say we should fight. It’s a good thing that we are working in harmony,” he added.
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Tinubu’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about opposition defections ahead of future elections, as analysts examine the role of national security and governance in shaping political loyalty.
