President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a pointed jab at the main opposition parties, stating it gave him “pleasure” to see the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) grappling with internal strife.
Speaking on Thursday at a joint session of the National Assembly in celebration of this year’s Democracy Day, the president also extended a warm welcome to new defectors joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) from rival political camps.
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“You are all welcome to the progressive fold. Nobody should close the door,” Tinubu said, in an apparent reference to the internal wrangling within opposition ranks.
“It is indeed a pleasure to witness you in such a disarray.”
Tinubu did not hold back in ridiculing the state of opposition politics, suggesting that the parties should engage in self-reflection instead of reacting with alarm to the recent wave of defections and shifting loyalties.
“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs, rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist,” he stated.
With a touch of sarcasm, the president added, “For me, I will not say, try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you to do so, either.”
His remarks come amid increasing reports of dissatisfaction within the PDP and LP, as several prominent figures are rumored to be considering alignment with the APC.
The president’s speech sparked a mixed response among lawmakers present; APC legislators welcomed the remarks with enthusiasm, while opposition members appeared visibly uneasy.
Although Tinubu has in the past spoken about the value of a vibrant opposition to a healthy democracy, his latest comments made clear his amusement at the difficulties currently facing his political rivals.
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