The Presidency has insisted that the recent defections of opposition politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are voluntary and not the result of coercion, contrary to speculation in some quarters.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the Presidency dismissed allegations of a drift towards a one-party state, maintaining that democracy remains intact and vibrant.

“Nigerians migrating to the APC and expressing support for President Tinubu are doing so of their own free will, based on the belief that the ongoing reforms serve the interests of Nigerians and future generations,” Onanuga stated.

The statement follows last Wednesday’s high-profile defections, including that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, commissioners, and local government chairmen.

The defection of Okowa, who was the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) vice-presidential candidate in the last election, further weakens the main opposition party. Other opposition parties, including the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), are also grappling with internal crises, prompting concerns about their ability to challenge the APC in 2027.

Some observers have alleged that the ruling party is behind the opposition’s internal turmoil — a claim the Presidency firmly rejected.

“The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu or the APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence. It is not President Tinubu’s responsibility to organise or strengthen opposition parties,” Onanuga said.

He criticised those lamenting the alleged erosion of democracy, pointing out their silence when opposition politicians formed anti-Tinubu coalitions before the commencement of official campaign activities.

“Freedom of association, speech, and choice are fundamental tenets of democracy. When politicians and citizens are unable to freely express their affiliations, democracy is indeed under threat,” he asserted.

Onanuga added that democracy in Nigeria remains strong under President Tinubu and that the multi-party system will continue to thrive.

He commended President Tinubu and the APC’s National Working Committee, led by Abdullahi Ganduje, for making the party more viable and attractive to Nigerians.

“President Tinubu is a committed democrat whose leadership has strengthened opposition platforms in the past. We urge Nigerians to respect the freedom of association and reject alarmists drawing their narratives from fiction,” the statement concluded.