President Tinubu Dismisses Fears of One-Party Dominance, Insists Electoral Act 2026 Strengthens Democracy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly rejected accusations that his administration or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is working toward a one-party state, insisting that a strong and credible opposition is essential for Nigeria’s democratic growth and good governance.

Speaking at the APC’s 8th National Convention (also referred to as the 4th Elective National Convention) held at Eagle Square in Abuja on March 27, 2026, Tinubu addressed concerns raised by recent mass defections to the APC and controversy surrounding the newly amended Electoral Act 2026.

“Let me reiterate, especially to those who often lament and misunderstand us: we do not seek a one-party state,” Tinubu declared. “Democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition. As a statesman and political leader, I believe in a credible opposition – one that can challenge, question and help refine policies. That is how statecraft improves, and good governance is achieved. That is how nations advance.”

The convention has drawn over 8,453 delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for leadership elections, policy discussions, and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections. The event opening also featured extensive praise for Tinubu’s policy reforms from figures like Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Context: Defections and “One-Party State” Fears
Tinubu’s remarks come against a backdrop of significant political realignments. Over the past two years, numerous opposition figures – including governors, senators, House members, and grassroots politicians – have defected to the APC, citing confidence in the party’s leadership and vision. Critics, however, interpret the wave as evidence of APC dominance and potential erosion of multi-party democracy. Some APC voices have countered that defections reflect the weakness of fragmented opposition parties rather than any coercive strategy.

An analysis published by Africa Confidential on March 20, 2026, heightened these debates, suggesting the Electoral Act amendments could disqualify key opposition candidates and retain mechanisms for declaring results in ways that favor the ruling party. Opposition activists have echoed similar concerns, warning of risks to electoral integrity.

Electoral Act 2026: Reforms or Setback?
A central flashpoint in Tinubu’s speech was the Electoral Act 2026, signed into law by the President on February 18, 2026, shortly after passage by the National Assembly. The amendments underwent legislative scrutiny and public hearings, according to the President, who accused opposition groups of politicizing and deliberately misrepresenting the law for partisan gain.

Tinubu described persistent attacks on the Act as “a disservice to the Nigerian people,” arguing that the changes aim to strengthen election credibility rather than undermine it.

Key provisions drawing opposition fire include:
Section 60(3): Allows presiding officers to use manual transmission of results (relying on physical forms like EC8A) as a backup in cases of network failure or unforeseen circumstances, alongside electronic transmission via the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). Critics argue this introduces discretionary powers that could enable manipulation.

Section 84: Restricts political parties primarily to direct primaries and consensus for candidate selection, excluding indirect primaries. Opposition leaders view this as unconstitutional interference in internal party affairs.

Other elements, such as mandates for comprehensive digital registers of party members (Sections 77 and 82), have also sparked debate over potential barriers for smaller parties.

Opposition figures, including leaders from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) – such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi – have jointly rejected the Act.

They demanded fresh amendments to remove what they call “obnoxious provisions” and ensure it reflects Nigerians’ aspirations for transparent elections. Civil society groups like the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) condemned the rushed assent process, arguing it weakened mandatory real-time electronic transmission reforms introduced in earlier electoral laws.

The Presidency and APC have pushed back, defending the Act as a balanced improvement that includes electronic safeguards with practical backups for Nigeria’s uneven infrastructure. They urge critics to focus on building stronger parties instead of “constant lamentation.”

Implications for Nigerian Democracy
Tinubu’s address underscores a tension at the heart of Nigeria’s political evolution. Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, the country has navigated multi-party competition, with the PDP dominating initially before the APC’s rise in 2015. While healthy defections are a feature of democratic freedom of association, sustained one-sided movements risk weakening opposition accountability mechanisms.

Informed observers note that credible elections depend not only on legal frameworks but also on independent institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), judicial impartiality, and public trust. The 2023 elections highlighted both technological advances (like IReV) and persistent challenges in result transmission and collation.

The convention itself serves as a platform for the APC to consolidate ahead of 2027, with plans to endorse Tinubu’s re-election bid and elect a new National Working Committee.

Discussions also bother on internal zoning, consensus arrangements, and policy priorities, including economic reforms and infrastructure.