Amid growing turmoil within Nigeria’s major opposition parties, President Bola Tinubu has challenged them to resolve their internal conflicts ahead of the 2027 elections, denying accusations that his administration seeks to impose a one-party system.
The president gave the charge during the inauguration of the newly completed Left-Hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Stage II, stretching from Ring Road 1 Junction to Wasa Junction in Abuja.
Addressing concerns that the Presidency might be fueling the disarray in parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), Tinubu dismissed such allegations as baseless and reiterated his commitment to multi-party democracy.
“I cannot mediate in a crisis that belongs to a different political party. I have no business doing that,” the president stated. “As I said during the Democracy Day celebrations, I do not support a one-party state, and I will never work towards it.”
Tinubu’s remarks come against the backdrop of public commentary that the fragmentation of opposition groups may be paving the way for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to dominate the political landscape unchecked. Several defections and leadership tussles have rocked the PDP and LP in recent months.
While commissioning the road project, Tinubu used the opportunity to reinforce the importance of healthy political competition in a democratic system, adding that opposition parties should take responsibility for resolving their own internal problems.
“Put your house in order. That’s not my job,” he said. “Our democracy thrives on strong institutions and vibrant opposition, not conspiracy theories.”
The newly inaugurated road is one of several infrastructure projects aimed at easing traffic congestion in the Federal Capital Territory.
