The All Progressives Congress on Wednesday defended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying democracy is thriving in Nigeria and rejecting claims that it is responsible for crises within opposition parties.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru said the ruling party remains focused on governance and is not involved in internal disputes affecting opposition groups.
Major opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party have been embroiled in leadership crises, leading to factional divisions and multiple legal battles ahead of the 2027 elections.
The disputes intensified after the Independent National Electoral Commission derecognized ADC National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola on April 1. Mark subsequently called for the resignation of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan alleging that the Tinubu administration and the APC were behind the opposition’s challenges.
At an ADC convention in Abuja, opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former governors Rotimi Amaechi , Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso accused the federal government of attempting to weaken opposition parties and undermine democracy ahead of 2027.
In response, Basiru said Nigeria’s democracy remains intact, citing freedom of speech, association and political participation.
“As of the last count, we have no fewer than 19 registered political parties,” he said. “Those claiming problems are only a few. The majority of parties are functioning without issues.”
Basiru denied that the APC is interfering in opposition affairs, pointing to ongoing court cases involving party leadership disputes. He referenced rulings by the Supreme Court of Nigeria and the Court of Appeal, which have declined requests for stays of execution and ordered parties to maintain the status quo in disputed cases.
He cautioned opposition leaders against discrediting the judiciary for political gain and urged adherence to court rulings.
On security, Basiru said the Tinubu administration has made progress despite ongoing challenges, noting that about 350 suspects linked to insecurity have been prosecuted in recent weeks. He said efforts include both military and community-based approaches.
“Insecurity should not be politicized. It requires collective responsibility,” he said, adding that reforms, including discussions on state policing, are necessary to improve coverage and effectiveness.
He also highlighted structural challenges within the Nigeria Police Force , noting limited personnel and infrastructure across the country.
Yilwatda said the APC should not be blamed for internal issues within opposition parties, arguing that those challenges stem from a lack of internal democracy.
“If they cannot manage their internal processes, they should not blame us,” he said.
On the economy, Yilwatda said reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration are beginning to yield results, citing increased government revenue, infrastructure development and improved macroeconomic indicators.
He said Nigeria recorded a tax surplus exceeding 6 trillion naira last year, along with GDP growth above 4% and rising foreign reserves.
Yilwatda acknowledged that the reforms have caused hardship for many Nigerians but said efforts are underway to ease the impact through social interventions, including student loans and support for vulnerable households.
He added that the government is focusing on translating macroeconomic gains into improvements at the household level.
“We acknowledge the pains,” he said. “But these are necessary steps toward long-term development.”
The APC leaders urged Nigerians and the private sector to support government efforts, emphasizing that economic recovery and national security require collective action.
