Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan has described President Bola Tinubu’s denial of plans for a one-party state as “strange.”
Speaking during a television interview on Friday, Ologbondiyan reacted to Tinubu’s address to lawmakers during Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations.
President Tinubu had dismissed fears that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), was aiming to silence opposition.
He said, “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.”
Ologbondiyan found this statement unconvincing claiming the reality in Nigeria paints a different picture. According to him, no one expected Tinubu to openly admit involvement in plans to weaken democratic competition.
“We never expected Mr. President to come to the public arena and declare that he knows nothing about the plot to bring up a one-party state,” he said.
Concerns Over INEC’s Role in Party Registration
The former PDP spokesman also questioned the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He alleged that INEC was blocking the registration of new political parties. He cited a specific group that had fulfilled all registration conditions but still had no certificate from INEC.
“They have been told to come for their certificate. Day in, day out, they have not been issued that certificate,” he added. He noted that Tinubu made no mention of electoral reforms or issues regarding party registration during his speech.
Ologbondiyan insisted that the president’s denial did not match the actions of APC members and some federal officials. He suggested that the government’s structure was tilted to reduce opposition influence.
APC’s Influence Raises Questions About Political Openness
Ologbondiyan recalled that even some APC members had admitted to limited political options on national television. He said, “Even members of his own cabinet have come out on Channels TV to say, ‘Where will we find a party to contest on?’”
In his view, Tinubu does not need to personally interfere with party registration for the intent to be known. He argued that the way the political process is evolving under Tinubu’s leadership points toward shrinking space for opposition parties.
“The president doesn’t need to say, ‘Don’t register this party,’ but the design of the party already suggests it,” he said.
📢 Join the Conversation!
Rate, Like 👍, Comment, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
