President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used his Democracy Day speech to defend free speech and democratic values. He said no Nigerian should face punishment for criticising him or writing negative reports.
Speaking at a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12, Tinubu said democracy cannot grow without space for open criticism. He stressed that leaders must tolerate dissent, even when it comes in harsh words.
“No one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names,” Tinubu said. “Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults.”
He added that personal attacks do not threaten him. Instead, they show that freedom of expression is working. “Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so,” he told lawmakers.
Embracing Dissent and Defending Civil Liberties
Tinubu advised political leaders not to fear opposing views. He said they should listen, even when the words are tough to hear.
“Do not be afraid to hear an unkind word spoken against you. Some of the best advice a politician gets sometimes comes from his most ferocious opponents,” he said.
While warning against malicious slander, Tinubu cautioned against creating a climate of fear. “The imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term,” he said.
He called for a free and inclusive political space, urging lawmakers to protect civil liberties. Tinubu added that Nigeria’s democracy is still growing and must be nourished through dialogue and openness.
“Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong. Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive. And this means our dream of a prosperous, happy nation is still within reach and worth fighting for,” he said.
Tinubu Says APC Welcomes Defectors from Opposition
During the same session, President Tinubu addressed growing concerns about the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) welcoming defectors from opposition parties.
He made it clear that the APC would not shut its doors to new members, even if they come from other political parties. Tinubu said political parties worried about defections should fix their internal problems rather than blaming others.
“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs,” he said. “For me, I will not say, ‘Try your best to put your house in order.’ I will not help you to do so either. It is indeed a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.”
Tinubu, however, insisted that Nigeria was not heading toward a one-party system.
“A one-party state is not in the offing, nor should it ever be,” he said. “That said, we would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC.”
He welcomed new party members from Delta and Akwa Ibom states, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno.
“I Was the Last Opposition Governor Standing” – Tinubu Recalls
Tinubu assured Nigerians that he has no plans to weaken democratic structures or dominate the political space. He dismissed suggestions that the APC was plotting to make Nigeria a one-party nation.
“To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. Your alarm rings in error,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu: I Do Not, And Will Never, Support A One-Party State In Nigeria
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) June 12, 2025
To those who sound the alarm that the APC is intent on creating a one-party state, I offer you my personal assurance: while your concerns may stem from panic, at no time in the past, present, or future shall… pic.twitter.com/PGReW7xMmU
He pointed out that he had never attempted to interfere with political party registration. Tinubu reminded Nigerians of his time as an opposition leader during the early 2000s when he was Lagos State Governor.
“In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of the progressive governors standing in my region,” he said.
He concluded by advising all political players to embrace Nigeria’s political diversity. Tinubu encouraged lawmakers to work together across party lines and protect democratic values.
“We must welcome and accept the diversity and number of political parties just as we embrace the diversity of our population,” he said. “Our efforts must never be to eliminate political competition but to make that competition healthy for national well-being.”
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