The Presidency has called on Nigerians to dismiss an alleged assertion that President Bola Tinubu is plotting to establish a one-party state in Nigeria by appointing “loyalists” as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement titled “PDP, Atiku Raising False Alarm” on Monday, urging the public to disregard the claims made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Atiku Abubakar.
Onanuga emphasized President Tinubu’s reputation as a democrat committed to the rule of law, a recognition earned through his exemplary service as governor, where he achieved significant progress in various aspects of governance. He clarified that the dominance of Tinubu’s political structure in Lagos was a result of democratic processes and not undemocratic practices, as suggested by Atiku Abubakar.
The statement highlighted the desperation of the PDP and Atiku Abubakar to attribute their electoral setbacks to President Tinubu and the judiciary, characterizing their allegations as baseless, reckless, and irresponsible. While acknowledging that the judiciary is not beyond scrutiny, Onanuga urged Nigerians to reject the unfounded accusations made by the PDP and its candidate.
Onanuga stressed that President Tinubu, a staunch democrat, has never interfered with judicial decisions. He cited instances where the judiciary ruled against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara and Rivers States in 2019, emphasizing that the courts’ decisions are based on the law and evidence, not sentiments.
The statement questioned Atiku’s selective memory, pointing out instances where the PDP benefited from court decisions in its favor. It urged Atiku and the PDP to cease their campaign of calumny and blackmail against the judiciary, emphasizing that judgments are rooted in legal frameworks, not emotions.
Onanuga concluded by stating that it is irresponsible and detrimental to Nigeria for the opposition to undermine an essential branch of the government after failing to adhere to the law’s letter and spirit.
Quest: Udomah Ejiroghene.