Tinubu Denies Forcing Opposition Defections, Says He Did Not Kill Opposition

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rejected suggestions that he is engineering the steady movement of opposition politicians into the All Progressives Congress, stating clearly that no one has been coerced into joining the ruling party.

The President spoke on Wednesday evening during an interfaith Iftar with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he addressed growing claims that his government is weakening opposition structures.

According to Tinubu, he has not used the powers of his office to intimidate or pressure any political actor. He stressed that those who defected made their own choices without interference from him.

“Critics are entitled to their views. Some say I have killed the opposition, but I didn’t have a gun.”

“Even though I have the authority, I have not misused it.”

He argued that politicians are free to decide their political future, adding that he would not blame anyone for leaving a platform they believe is no longer viable, likening such moves to passengers stepping away from a troubled ship.

Tinubu also used the occasion to call for cooperation across party lines in confronting Nigeria’s security threats, including terrorism and banditry. He urged lawmakers to put national interest above partisan differences.

In addition, the President appealed to the National Assembly to begin the process of amending the Constitution to enable the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary reform to strengthen security and improve response to rising criminal activities nationwide.