As Nigeria marked 26 years of continuous democratic rule, a senior figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Emma Eneukwu, has refuted suggestions that the country is slipping into a one-party system.
Responding to criticisms from opposition leaders, Eneukwu told reporters in Enugu on Wednesday that such claims were “tactical blackmail” designed to weaken public confidence in the APC.
“It’s a false narrative—opposition parties are not being silenced. They’ve been free to organise and campaign. The reason their coalitions fail is because Nigerians are not convinced by them anymore,” he remarked.
According to Eneukwu, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has stayed committed to democratic principles while focusing on revitalising the economy, tackling insecurity, and enhancing infrastructure.
“Despite attempts to distract him, the President has stayed focused. The results are beginning to show. He’s earned the respect of Nigerians and drawn people to his leadership through competence, not compulsion,” he added.
He described Tinubu as a political figure who has forged unity beyond the confines of party politics, saying, “President Tinubu is a living coalition of progressives, patriots, and reform-minded Nigerians.”
The APC leader also acknowledged government efforts in funding regional development bodies and boosting security sector financing. He applauded ongoing collaboration between federal institutions, state governments, and community-based actors to address violent crime.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility. From local vigilantes to national agencies, a layered strategy is key to lasting peace,” he said.
Eneukwu closed by extending Democracy Day greetings to Nigerians, urging continued patience and civic responsibility. He reaffirmed that the country’s democratic journey, while not yet perfect, remains firmly on track.
