The Presidency has dismissed concerns raised by opposition figures and civil rights activists over recent high-profile defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that democracy remains vibrant and secure under President Bola Tinubu\'s leadership.

In a statement issued Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency described the alarm over an alleged drift towards a one-party state as “baseless and exaggerated.”

Onanuga said recent political developments — including the open support for President Tinubu by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and the defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, and other influential figures — had unsettled opposition parties, leading to \"false allegations\" of authoritarianism.

\"The opposition elements are understandably heartbroken over the failure of their fabled grand coalition to gain traction,\" Onanuga stated. “It is disturbing that they resort to peddling false claims of promoting a one-party state against President Tinubu.”

He maintained that President Tinubu remains committed to democratic ideals, emphasizing that no government policy or action seeks to weaken the opposition or stifle dissent.

\"There is no policy, official action, or directive from the Presidency to dismantle democracy. Freedom of association, speech, and choice remain fully protected,\" the statement read.

Onanuga also argued that opposition parties should blame their internal disorganization and incompetence for their struggles, rather than pointing fingers at the ruling party. He criticized what he called the \"hypocrisy\" of those who celebrated defections to opposition parties but now decry similar moves in favor of the APC.

The Presidency stressed that political defections are a normal feature of democratic societies and cited examples from other countries where politicians freely switch party allegiance.

\"President Tinubu and the APC leadership deserve commendation for making the ruling party viable and attractive to Nigerians who want to participate in the democratic process,\" Onanuga said.

Reaffirming Tinubu’s democratic credentials, he noted the President’s historic role in building opposition forces that eventually unseated a sitting government in 2015, describing him as a “tested defender of multiparty democracy.”

The statement concluded with a call for all Nigerians to respect the political choices of others and to reject what it described as alarmist narratives.

\"Under President Tinubu, democracy is strong, and the multiparty system will continue to flourish unhindered,\" Onanuga affirmed.