President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s opposition parties to put their internal affairs in order ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid swirling accusations that his administration is stoking division within their ranks to establish a one-party state.
Tinubu made the call on Friday in Abuja while commissioning the newly completed Left-Hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Stage II, stretching from Ring Road 1 Apo Junction to Wasa Junction in Abuja.
Speaking through Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, President Tinubu emphasized that, as the leader of a different political party, he was not in a position to intervene in the internal disputes of opposition parties.
“I want to reiterate my commitment, as I stated on Democracy Day I have no intention of turning Nigeria into a one-party state,” the President said.
“The opposition must put their houses in order ahead of the next election. That way, no one can claim they’re being silenced. The President wants to see a united opposition, but if you can’t unite among yourselves, there’s little the President can do to help you.
“This is politics. Unity won’t happen if all you do is spread falsehoods daily. You condemn everything. Nothing seems good in your eyes. Was Nigeria like this in 1960? Was Abuja in this state just three years ago?
“The Outer Southern Expressway remains a vital transport link in Abuja, connecting the city centre to fast-expanding neighborhoods like Apo, Gudu, and Wasa. Over time, rapid urban development and housing growth have placed significant demands on the city’s road network.
“At today’s commissioning of this left-hand service carriageway, we are directly confronting these challenges,” the President stated.
He urged residents of Abuja and nearby communities to take care of the new roadway. “This road is designed for your safety and convenience.
“Please maintain it responsibly, use it carefully, and allow it to open doors to greater economic prospects, safer travel, and stronger community development,” he said.
President Tinubu reassured Nigerians: “This road forms part of a larger national infrastructure vision that includes highways, bridges, rail systems, airports, and much more. These initiatives are intended to build a solid foundation for a more productive and prosperous Nigeria.”
He encouraged Minister Wike to stay focused on national progress despite criticism:
“The President told you (Wike) yesterday not to be distracted by those criticising you. Keep your focus on delivering for the country. People won’t remember how you responded to your critics; they will remember the legacies you leave behind, and we are already witnessing those achievements,” he said.
“Residing near the Presidential Villa, Akpabio shared his personal admiration for the new flyover connecting the Villa to Asokoro, calling it a clear sign of progress. “Every time I pass over it and look down, I’m reminded that God is truly alive,” he remarked.
Nyesom Wike slammed critics of President Tinubu, urging them to stay ‘blind’ if they ignore his achievements and vowing to continue frustrating them
Wike said, “As politicians, yes, we must critiqueit’s inevitable. But criticism doesn’t mean we fail to recognise progress. This isn’t a flag-off; it’s a commissioning. Let’s acknowledge the truth, this is a real and important milestone
“People are criticising the International Conference Centre. You know, some people naturally don’t have good taste.
The only thing in that International Conference Center that was not changed is the block work. Everything else in the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center was changed.
“If you love this country, you cannot criticize it. It’s not about me wearing only one shoe and telling people lies. It’s a lie. It’s not about, oh, I carry my bag. No.
“Nigeria, as a giant of Africa, must not only show that it is a giant; people must see what makes it a giant of Africa. Nobody who loves this country will criticise that International Conference Centre.
“There’s one television station, one media house. I don’t normally watch them, but somehow, by spiritual directive, I had to turn it on. I saw somebody, don’t know his name; normally, I don’t like to know the names of people who don’t have anything to offer.
He said, oh, they did not name the International Conference Centre after someone who built it. Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikiwe. Moshood Abiola Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola.”
