Abuja (PRECISE POST) — Hon. Ukodhiko Jonathan, who represents Isoko North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has dismissed growing concerns that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
Speaking shortly after President Tinubu’s address to a joint session of the National Assembly to mark Democracy Day, Hon. Jonathan attributed the wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a result of the administration’s “progressive reform policies” and the appeal of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“What is happening is that because of the progressive reform policies of the president and the APC government, a lot of people are now seeing the promised land and feel the need to join them,” he said. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is one of the best things to have happened to Nigerians.”
Jonathan emphasized that the movement toward the ruling party is voluntary and motivated by perceived progress, not coercion. “It’s not that the president or APC is forcing anybody to join. People are seeing results,” he asserted.
Addressing speculation that Nigeria is becoming a one-party state, Jonathan said the president’s actions and posture indicate support for a multi-party democracy. “Nigeria can’t become a one-party state. From President Tinubu’s address, it’s clear he isn’t in favor of such, and he isn’t preventing opposition parties from organizing themselves.”
He highlighted the continued activities of parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labor Rights Party (LRP), and others as evidence of a functioning democratic system. He also noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains free to register new parties.
The lawmaker praised the current relationship between the executive and the legislature, calling it vital for national development. “The synergy between the two arms of government is obvious and crucial to the country’s progress,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, Jonathan contrasted it with past military rule, highlighting gains in civil liberties and political freedom. “During the military regime, were you free? Could you speak out? Criticize government? The answer is no,” he noted.
In a firm endorsement of the APC administration, Jonathan also commended what he called the government’s “painful but necessary” decisions aimed at long-term national growth. “The APC government is making tough choices, but without them, the country cannot progress,” he said.
The remarks came as Nigeria celebrated its annual Democracy Day, marking over two decades of democratic governance.
