The Presidency under President Bola Tinubu has rejected allegations that Nigeria’s multi-party democracy is under threat, dismissing claims that opposition politicians are being coerced into defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Monday, the Presidency described such allegations as “misleading and unfounded,” stressing that freedom of association is a constitutional right guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

According to the statement, political defections are voluntary and a recurring feature of Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

“Freedom of association is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, and no individual has been pressured or coerced into joining the APC,” the Presidency said.
“Political realignments of this nature have occurred under previous administrations without any suggestion that democracy was being eroded.”

The Presidency also firmly denied accusations that President Tinubu is using anti-corruption agencies to persecute political opponents. Claims that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is being weaponised for political purposes were described as baseless.

“Assertions that President Tinubu is deploying the EFCC as a political tool are entirely unfounded,” the statement said.
“The EFCC is an independent statutory body empowered to investigate and prosecute financial crimes without regard to political affiliation or status.”

Emphasising institutional independence, the Presidency stated that the President does not interfere in the operations of the EFCC or other law enforcement agencies.

“The Presidency does not direct, control, or influence the activities of the EFCC or any other law enforcement body,” it added.

The statement further noted that several individuals currently criticising the EFCC were already under investigation before the Tinubu administration assumed office.

“It is concerning that some of the strongest criticisms of the EFCC are coming from individuals whose cases predate this administration,” the Presidency said, urging such persons to engage with the legal process rather than resort to political rhetoric.

Reiterating respect for the rule of law, the Presidency stressed that the determination of guilt or innocence lies solely with the courts.

“In a democracy governed by the rule of law, it is the courts—not political actors—that determine culpability,” the statement said.

Highlighting the administration’s reform agenda, the Presidency pointed to recent economic and institutional progress, including Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to the anti-corruption fight, noting that no individual is above the law regardless of political affiliation.

“The fight against corruption is a collective national responsibility and must not be undermined by unfounded or self-serving narratives,” the Presidency said.

Political stakeholders were urged to engage constructively and allow democratic institutions to operate without undue pressure or politicisation.