President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared that he was expecting more members of the opposition political parties to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) before the 2027 general elections.
The President, who spoke at the APC National Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, also stressed that the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement and association.
According to President Tinubu, it’s one party that is ruling and driving the aspirations of Nigerians.
He said: “You don’t blame a people bailing out a sinking ship. I am expecting more to come, that is the game. We are in a constitutional democracy that guarantees the freedom of movement and the freedom of association. Welcome to the progressives.”
While responding to concerns that the influx of prominent figures joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could be leading Nigeria towards a one-party state, the President asserted that these defections instead demonstrate the democratic preferences and ambitions of the populace.
President Tinubu was assertive and promised to lead the nation to the promise land
“I’m glad about what we have and I’m expecting more to come. That is the game. We’re in a constitutional democracy. Don’t forget the freedom of movement and the freedom of association are not criminally punishable. Welcome to the progressives. Sweep them clean.
“The endorsement today, the ‘carry go’ expression—I know road We will lead you on to that promised land”, he declared.
President Tinubu’s comments came amid mounting concerns in opposition circles that the political landscape may be tilting dangerously toward single-party dominance.
The President also gave reassurances on the nation’s economic trajectory, stating that the administration’s efforts to revamp Nigeria’s economy are yielding results.
His words: “The resuscitation of the Nigerian economy is on course. The hope is standing before you—take it on. You are the leaders and the conscience of this country. Nigeria will be industrialized. The next two years will be great. We have the mission, we have the vision”.
Referring to party faithful and supporters, some of whom may feel left out of political appointments thus far, the President called for more patience and trust.
“To many of you I have not offered political positions, be patient, many things are coming,” he said, signaling a broader inclusion strategy as his administration advances.
On the fuel subsidy removal policy which his administration initiated two years ago, President Tinubu said it is well justified, noting that large chunk of savings from the subsidy regime has gone into healthcare provision, education and security
The President in his opening remarks also described Vice President Kashim Shettima as a member of his administration’s think tank.
His words: Mr Vice President, even if i will stand on existing protocol i will recognise you because you are a member of the Think tank.”
Earlier in his presentation, National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed that over 13,543 terrorists and other criminal elements have been neutralised across Nigeria in the last two years.
The NSA said the military and intelligence agencies had made gains in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, noting that 13,543 insurgents and criminals were killed during various operations nationwide over the past two years of President Bola Tinubu in office.
Ribadu also said that no fewer than 124,408 fighters of Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State in West Africa Province, along with their family members, have surrendered to Nigerian forces and are undergoing rehabilitation through the government’s de-radicalisation and reintegration programme.
His words: “We have so far recovered and destroyed 252,596 rounds of assorted ammunition. Our troops have neutralised 13,543 terrorists.”
Thursday’s disclosure came amid Nigeria’s ongoing battle with insurgents, bandits, and separatist groups across multiple theatres of violence, from the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast to banditry in the Northwest and North Central, and criminal violence in the South.
The insurgency in the Northeast, which began in 2009, has led to the deaths of over 350,000 people—both directly and indirectly—according to United Nations estimates, and displaced over two million.
Despite repeated claims of degrading Boko Haram, security agencies continue to grapple with attacks, ambushes and bombings, particularly in Borno and Yobe states.
The past two months have seen a resurgence of violence, including the killing of locals in Plateau, Benue and Borno states.
The NSA also attributed the improved security situation to enhanced inter-agency collaboration, increased investment in intelligence gathering, and political will.
The APC National Summit was convened to assess the performance of the Tinubu administration.
Deji Elumoye
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